Industry leaders meet with government to push for stronger Future Homes Standard

November 20, 2024

Key representatives from the Good Homes Alliance (GHA), Bioregional, the Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI), and the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) met with Baroness Taylor, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG), to discuss the Future Homes Standard (FHS).

At this meeting, the organisations handed over a joint consultation response, supported by over 250 leading businesses and organisations from across the sector. In response to the discussion with Baroness Taylor, a follow-up letter has now been sent, clarifying the key points raised and requesting response.

The letter reiterates the critical concerns shared by the industry about the proposed Future Homes Standard 2025, calling for a more ambitious approach that ensures new homes are built to higher standards of sustainability and energy efficiency.

In a significant demonstration of industry concern, the original joint letter expressed disappointment over the proposed Future Homes and Buildings Standard has been sent to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC).

Despite some positive aspects, the Future Homes Standard consultation has drawn criticism from a wide spectrum of industry organisations. The signatories, representing a diverse array of stakeholders ranging from developers and local authorities, to consultants and architects, emphasise the imperative of a higher standard which address the pressing challenges of building the sustainable, healthy homes with low bills needed.

The unified call for action demands further collaboration to deliver a fit-for-purpose proposal, advocating for measures that prioritise energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and resilience for new build housing. Signatories urge DLUHC to engage in substantive dialogue with industry stakeholders to set out future iterations of the standard and ensure its efficacy in advancing sustainability.

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