Three quarters of tradespeople unaware of how Future Homes Standard might impact them
Less than a quarter of skilled trades and builders (23%) are aware of the Future Homes Standard
and how it might impact their work, according to new research.
The news comes following confusion in the media about the Future Homes Standard, with recent
reports suggesting the government will scrap the current agreement to ban gas boilers in new
homes by 2035. The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero has responded to the claims, to say
they are ‘categorically wrong’.
The research, from leading national builders merchant Jewson, found that of those who are aware
of the upcoming legislation – which will aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels to heat homes –
almost a third (30%) envisage it will put financial pressure on their business. A further fifth (18%)
think it will require them to invest in additional training and upskilling, to ensure they’re working
compliantly.
More positively, 17% of respondents to the research – available in Jewson’s Trade Trends report –
said once the Future Homes Standard is in place, it will give them an opportunity to enhance their
reputation. Almost a third (31%) said when the legislation comes into effect, they don’t think it will
impact their business at all.
The Future Homes Standard is a government initiative for all newbuild homes, which encourages
the use of low carbon energy sources including heat source pumps and other renewables. It is the
next iteration of Part L of the Building Regulations, which came into place in 2022.
As part of the Trade Trends research, Jewson also asked tradespeople and builders about how the
changes to Part L have affected their business so far. More than a third (33%) said they’re now
confident in understanding Part L, two fifths (41%) know how to adapt their ways of working to
comply, and 32% have changed the materials they’re purchasing to ensure they’re in line with the
new regulations.
However, almost half (46%) say they would appreciate more support or training from the industry
on the regulations moving forwards.
Sabrina Passley, Head of Sustainability for STARK Building Materials UK, said: “While there is
progress being made to transform the building industry and instil sustainable practices in the
development of new properties, the data from our Trade Trends report shows there is confusion as
to what’s to be expected from the Future Homes Standard. As such, there is more that can be done
to support tradespeople and builders during this transitional period.
“It is vitally important that suppliers and manufacturers in industry work with the government as
we edge closer to the Future Homes Standard being introduced, to ensure those delivering new
properties and refurbishing existing homes know exactly what is expected of them.
“At Jewson, we want to provide our customers with the education, services and products they
need to get to grips with the Future Homes Standards, by ensuring easy access to innovative
technologies, expert advice, and everything else they might need to build sustainably and with
confidence.
“Being part of the STARK Group, Jewson can leverage European expertise in sustainability. This
gives us a unique opportunity to pass on best practices and lessons from our European colleagues
to our UK customers, ensuring they’re prepared for how the regulations will affect them every day.”
The Trade Trends report can be downloaded here.
