UK Government sets ‘rigorous’ new targets for green building revolution

UK Government announce all new homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumption.

Housing Minister Chris Pincher has announced that all new homes and businesses will have to meet new energy standards to lower energy consumption and bills, stating this “is vital to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and protecting the environment for future generations to come.”

In a response to a consultation on the Future Homes Standard, plans have been set for all new homes to have improved energy performance and are expected to produce 75-80% lower carbon emissions compared to current levels, ensuring homes are fit for the future.

Higher standards are also being implemented on existing homes, with the requirement for replacements and repairs to be more energy efficient, such as for windows and fixed lighting. An improved standard requirement for extensions has been revealed too, to keep homes warmer and reduce bills. Additionally, a consultation on higher performance targets for non-domestic buildings has also been announced, to ensure they will be zero carbon ready by 2025.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said: "The radical new standards announced today will not only improve energy efficiency of existing homes and other buildings, but will also ensure our new homes are fit for the future, by reducing emissions from new homes by at least 75%."

“This will help deliver greener homes and buildings, as well as reducing energy bills for hard-working families and businesses.”

Whilst these measures will result in lower energy bills for households, they will also contribute to the government’s goal of tackling climate change.

They recognise the importance of energy efficiency of buildings achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a goal introduced by the government in 2019. Considerable process has already occurred regarding home emissions, with a reduction being seen in total emissions by approximately one fifth since 1990, despite around a quarter more homes.

For the full response to the Future Homes Standard Consultation, click here.