The wait is over. On 24 March 2026, the UK government officially published the full response and technical details for the Future Homes Standard (FHS). This represents the most significant shift in building regulations in a decade, moving the industry toward a future where new homes produce at least 75% fewer carbon emissions than those built to 2013 standards.
At Carbon Green Consulting, we’ve been tracking these developments closely to ensure our clients—architects, planners, and developers—stay ahead of the curve. Here is what you need to know about the new landscape.
Key Takeaways: The 2028 Mandate
While the regulations come into force on 24 March 2027, a 12-month transition period means the rules fully apply to all new homes built from March 2028 onwards.
- Goodbye to Gas: Fossil fuel heating, including traditional gas boilers, will effectively be prohibited in new builds. Low-carbon heating, primarily air-source heat pumps, is now the mandatory default.
- The “Solar Requirement”: Most new homes must now include on-site renewable generation. The standard requires solar PV coverage equivalent to 40% of a dwelling’s ground-floor area.
- Fabric and Ventilation: Requirements for airtightness and insulation have tightened, with new mandates for wastewater heat recovery and improved mechanical extract ventilation.
- Transition from SAP to HEM: Compliance will shift to the new Home Energy Model (HEM). This more complex, data-driven methodology replaces the old SAP system and is designed to better reflect real-world energy use.
What This Means for Our Clients
For developers, these changes bring an estimated additional cost of approximately £10,000 per home. However, for the homeowner, these measures could save families up to £830 a year on energy bills.
The challenge for architects and planners is integrating these technologies—such as heat pump plant space and solar arrays—at the earliest design stages (RIBA Stage 1) to avoid costly late-stage revisions.
Upskill Your Team: Complimentary CPD Sessions
Bridging the “green skills” gap is critical to project success. Carbon Green Consulting is now offering free CPD sessions tailored for architects and planning departments.
Our session, “FHS 2028: Design to Delivery,” provides a deep dive into:
- Navigating the technical transition from SAP to HEM.
- Designing for the “Solar 40%” rule without compromising aesthetics.
- Mitigating capital cost increases through optimized fabric design.
Book a CPD session for your firm today to ensure your upcoming projects are compliant, commercial, and truly zero-carbon ready.
Would you like to schedule a discovery call to discuss how these new 2028 regulations specifically impact your current project pipeline?