the future homes standard

Powering and heating our homes forms a major part of energy usage in the UK and according to the 2021 Census, three in four households are reportedly heated by gas.

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2025 will see the implementation of the Future Homes Standard, where all new homes must be zero carbon ready and produce 75-80% less emissions than those built under current building regulations. The standard focuses on achieving this through improving heating and hot water systems plus reducing heat waste. So, with gas boilers being phased out as part of the Standard, what can we install in new homes to meet these requirements?

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Our Bexhill project, being delivered for Vistry Group, is tackling this through the installation of a Community Heating Hub and heat network. The project is one of the first in the South to take this approach, with the 801 homes on the project heated via centralised large scale heat pumps powered by low carbon electricity. Hot water is pumped to each home via an underground flow and return pipe network which generates the heat and water residents need on demand. This sustainable approach removes the need for individual heat pumps and cylinders, only requiring a small Heat Interface Unit to be installed into properties. The system also removes the need for additional renewables on each house, reducing developer costs whilst still meeting the new Standard.

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The heating hub can be scaled to suit the development and Bexhill’s has been sized to also supply the school and other non-residential buildings, including a sports pavilion, community centre and retail unit. When compared to individual gas boilers, the network will emit 850 fewer tonnes of CO2 per annum.

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The Community Heating Hub is located discreetly on site, screened from view by existing woodland and new planting. Noise is reduced through attenuation and any local wildlife is protected through additional measures.

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The Bexhill scheme is currently at reserved matters planning stage, with the western parcel of 447 homes, a sports pavilion, community centre and retail unit due for a decision by Rother District Council imminently. The remainder of the homes, the eastern parcel, is targeted for submission in early autumn. Start on site is scheduled for Spring 2024.

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We’re delighted to be part of the project team engaging in this forward-thinking project and we look forward to sharing further updates on this project as it progresses.