Government response sets path for low-carbon homes and buildings

The UK government has published its long-awaited response to the Future Homes and Buildings Standards 2023 consultation, confirming plans to press ahead with sweeping changes to how new homes and commercial properties are built in England.

The response outlines how ministers intend to implement the Future Homes Standard and Future Buildings Standard, aimed at ensuring all new developments are “zero-carbon ready” and aligned with the UK’s net zero targets.

A central plank of the response is the confirmation that new homes will move away from fossil fuel heating systems. Gas boilers will effectively be phased out in new builds, with low-carbon alternatives such as heat pumps becoming the default.

Officials say the shift will significantly cut emissions from the housing sector while helping future homeowners avoid the cost of retrofitting cleaner systems later.

The government has also confirmed tougher energy efficiency standards, with new homes expected to produce around 75–80% fewer carbon emissions compared with properties built under older regulations.

Improved insulation, better-performing building fabric, and more efficient ventilation systems will all form part of the updated rules. The response also signals support for clearer performance metrics and better information for occupants on how buildings operate.

While maintaining its overall ambition, the government has adjusted some proposals following industry feedback.

Developers will be given a degree of flexibility in how they meet the new standards, reflecting concerns about cost, supply chains, and the readiness of technologies such as heat pumps at scale.

Construction groups had warned that overly prescriptive rules could slow housebuilding and increase costs, particularly during a period of economic pressure. The response attempts to balance these concerns with climate commitments.

The response also confirms that similar principles will apply to non-domestic buildings under the Future Buildings Standard. Offices, shops, and other commercial properties will face stricter energy and carbon requirements, helping to reduce emissions across the wider built environment.

Ministers say the new standards will come into force in 2025, giving industry time to prepare for the changes. Transitional arrangements will allow projects already in progress to continue under existing rules for a limited period.

Reaction to the response has been mixed. Some organisations have welcomed the clarity and long-term direction, particularly the commitment to ending fossil fuel heating in new homes. Others argue the government has not gone far enough, pointing to perceived gaps in ambition and the need for stronger enforcement.

Environmental groups have also raised concerns about delays and whether the measures will be sufficient to meet legally binding climate targets.

Despite differing views, the response marks a significant milestone in reshaping building standards in England. By setting a clear framework for low-carbon construction, the government aims to ensure that new homes and buildings are fit for a future where energy efficiency and sustainability are no longer optional.

The changes are expected to play a key role in reducing emissions, lowering energy bills over time, and modernising the UK’s housing stock for decades to come.

Read the full consultation response here.