Regulations · Glossary
Future Homes Standard
The 2025 Building Regulations update mandating that new-build homes in England produce 75-80% lower CO2 than 2013 standards, effectively ending fossil-fuel heating in new builds.
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) came into force in 2025 (with transition into 2026), updating Building Regulations Part L (energy efficiency) and Part F (ventilation). New homes must produce 75-80% less CO2 than 2013 baseline, achieved primarily through high fabric efficiency, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR), and a heat pump (gas boilers no longer compliant in most scenarios).
For Cornwall developers and self-builders, FHS effectively means: ASHP or GSHP as standard, EV charger pre-cabling, solar PV on most plots, and air-tightness target of 5 m³/hr/m² or better. The Future Buildings Standard for non-domestic buildings parallels this in commercial settings.
CCS works with several Cornwall self-build clients delivering FHS-compliant heat pump and PV packages. See our new build page or call 01209 596 002.