Ben Brocklesby, director at the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium doors and windows, Origin, discusses the current landscape for energy efficiency in the UK and looks at where it sits in consumers buying priorities.
The Future Homes Standard was set to bring big changes to building regulations. Focused on energy efficiency, it was designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions by enforcing stricter minimum energy performance ratings for new build homes.
There were also set to be new regulations when working on existing properties. However, the policy has been postponed by the government.
Despite the government’s U-turn, homeowners are becoming increasingly conscious of climate change and energy consumption, and there is a growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions as a result. The fenestration industry, in particular, plays a crucial role in providing products that can significantly impact a building’s energy performance. From windows and doors to curtain walls and skylights, these components can contribute to both energy savings and improved comfort.
Embracing energy efficiency
Homeowners are increasingly recognising the benefits of energy-efficient home improvements. Not only does it help reduce their carbon footprint, but it can also lead to substantial cost savings on energy bills.
With the energy price cap changing this month, household bills will be front of mind as colder temperatures set in for the winter. This trend has created a significant opportunity for fenestration professionals to offer products with low energy ratings to meet these demands.
When considering energy-efficient home improvements, homeowners focus most on energy ratings and U-Values. By offering products that exceed the current industry standards, such as the newly launched Origin OB-36+ bi-fold door which boats U-Values as low as 0.78 W/m²K, installers can position themselves as trusted advisors to homeowners seeking to create more sustainable and comfortable living spaces.
The Future Homes Standard marked a significant step towards a more sustainable housing sector. While its initial implementation has been delayed, the concept remains crucial in addressing climate change and achieving net-zero goals.
The newly elected Labour government has made ambitious commitments to tackle climate change and transition to a green economy, alongside ensuring energy security. Given its focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, it’s highly likely that the Future Homes Standard will be revisited.
This means that homeowners will only become more conscious of energy efficiency and continue to prioritise it when making buying decisions. Therefore, industry professionals need to respond to this by working with suppliers that are continually pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency now, instead of waiting for changes to building regulations and not being able to deliver products that meet the new standards.
Final thoughts
The Future Homes Standard represents a crucial step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient housing sector. While its implementation has been delayed, the renewed focus on climate change and the new Labour government’s commitment to sustainability make it highly likely that the policy will be a key component of its green agenda.
In the meantime, homeowners are continuing to prioritise energy efficiency as they seek ways to improve the comfort of their homes and reduce their energy bills.
