Changes to building regulations will help the UK deliver its net zero ambitions.
The regulations, to be brought in during June 2022, will see new rules for homes and buildings in England, ensuring they emit less carbon.
The new regulations will place limits on carbon emissions for new buildings, with CO2 emissions from new-build homes reduced by 30% and other buildings by 27%.
The move will raise standards and is an important step towards a cleaner and greener built environment, paving the way for the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025, which will mean all future homes are net zero ready and will not need retrofitting.
What does this mean for suppliers?
Developers will be looking to install low carbon technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, and use materials in a more energy efficient way to keep in heat and help cut emissions – lowering the cost of energy bills for families and helping deliver the UK’s climate change ambitions.
Another part of the regulations states that all new residential buildings, including homes, care homes, student accommodation and children’s homes, must be designed to reduce overheating, making sure they are fit for the future, with improvements to ventilation also to be introduced.
Suppliers can expect to find many new opportunities in these areas, with investments in green technology helping bring new innovations to market. With the new regulations, plus funding available for retrospective improvement, we are sure to see numerous contracts arising in these areas.
Be prepared and plan your business activities with the help of Tracker, who can provide tailored advice to your organisation. Click for more information or a free trial.
Delivering net zero
Housing Minister Eddie Hughes said: “Climate change is the greatest threat we face and we must act to protect our precious planet for future generations.
“The Government is doing everything it can to deliver net zero, and slashing CO2 emissions from homes and buildings is vital to achieving this commitment.
“The changes will significantly improve the energy efficiency of the buildings where we live, work and spend our free time and are an important step on our country’s journey towards a cleaner, greener built environment.”
The new regulations come alongside £6.6Bn of direct investment into improving the energy efficiency of buildings during this Parliament. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, Local Authority Delivery scheme and Home Upgrade Grant scheme make grants available to low-income households for insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and other efficiency and decarbonisation measures.
