Shining a light on the Future Homes Standard

Keystone Lintels, talks about their latest webinar

'CABE was delighted to support Keystone Lintels recent webinar.'

The webinar provided valuable insights into how the industry can help meet the UK’s ambitious 2050 net zero targets while meeting the housing target of 300,000 homes a year.

The Keystone Lintels Future Homes Standard webinar explored the Future Homes Standard and how the sector can ensure it builds homes for the future without leaving a legacy of retrofitting. The event was chaired by architectural expert Ruth Slavid with guest speakers, Gavin Dunn, CEO of CABE, Darren Evans, founder and chief facilitator of Darren Evans Assessments and Ben Cheetham, National Specification Manager at Keystone Lintels.  

Dr Gavin Dunn, is also a member of BRAC (Building Regulations Advisory Committee) and chair of the Future Homes Standard working group. He provided invaluable insights into the new standard. His presentation focused on the positives of the Future Homes Standard, highlighting how the UK was progressing with its decarbonisation targets to meet net zero carbon emissions within the energy sector, pointing out that the electricity grid was well on track to meet its goals. 

His positive messaging came with caveats on new build homes struggling with challenges from over-heating during hot weather as climate change escalates seasonal temperatures and under-ventilation. The key headline message though was ‘No Gas’ by 2025 in new build homes. 

Darren Evans, a sustainability consultant and expert in SAP calculations, thermal bridging and BREEAM, polled the audience with surprising results on a question relating to higher embodied carbon on a kilo-to-kilo basis with building materials, proving the obvious answer is not always obvious. Solar Photovoltaic Panels underperforming and producing a higher footprint, even against cement.  

Ben Cheetham discussed how the fabric first approach at the design stage helps house builders and specifiers comply with the latest regulation. He talked about addressing thermal bridging by using high performing materials that reduce heat loss, with up to 30% of heat loss occurring this way.      

Meeting these challenges, will clearly present the building sector with obstacles and opportunities for innovation, that need to be acted upon quickly, if we are to achieve the Government’s planned net zero carbon target.     

“The Webinar exceeded our hopes and expectations, with fantastic engagement from our audience. It is planned that this will form part of a regular series of online Keystone Group events tackling key issues in the building industry .” Derrick Mc Farland, Managing Director of Keystone Lintels said. 

Watch the webinar

Keystone Group are sponsoring the CABE Annual Conference and exhibition this October.