The Future Homes Standard Is on Its Way – Are We Ready?

The Future Homes Standard Is on Its Way – Are We Ready?

by | Sep 26, 2025 | Blog

The transition from Building Regulations Part L Volume 1 (2021) to the Future Homes Standard (2025) marks a significant step towards achieving the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.

In June this year, the government announced that they are aiming to publish The Future Homes Standard by Autumn 2025.

What is the Future Homes Standard?

Anticipated Timeline

How will The Future Homes Standard Affect the Industry?

How can Hannan Associates Help with Your Residential Development?

Hannan Residential Services 

Contact us

 

What is the Future Homes Standard?

Part L (2021) was an interim uplift, targeting approximately 30% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with the previous iteration, while the Future Homes Standard represents the ‘final’ regulatory framework for new homes in England, designed to target an approximate 75% reduction in CO2 emissions and qualify as “zero-carbon ready.”

It is proposed that this will be achieved by continuing to promote a fabric-first approach, where a high performing building envelope will be encouraged to reduce space heating demand, making it easier for low-carbon heating systems to operate effectively.

It is not anticipated that there will be significant improvements from the notional dwelling specification currently outlined in Part L Volume 1 (2021) – The anticipated changes generally comprise; provision of a low-carbon heat source (for space heating and domestic hot water generation) and incorporation of a solar PV array for the vast majority of new build homes.

Summary Comparison of Part L Volume 1 (2021) and the Future Homes Standard (2025):

 

Feature

CO2 Emissions Reduction

 

Building Reulations

Part L (2021)

Approximately 31% reduction (compared with 2013 standards)

 

Future Homes

Standard (2025)

75-80% reduction (compared with 2013 standards)

Heating Systems

Allows fossil fuel heating (e.g., gas boilers)

Unlikely that compliance can be demonstrated using fossil fuel heating in new homes

Primary Heating Technology

Gas boilers and other systems were still common

Low-carbon heating (e.g., heat pumps) will be the primary technology

Building Fabric

Enhanced U-values for walls, windows, and roofs; enhanced focus on “fabric-first” compared with 2013

Fabric standards remain similar; greater emphasis on airtightness to suit heat pump design

Compliance Method

Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP 10 Methodology)

Home Energy Model (HEM) – New methodology

Effective Date

In effect from June 2022

Expected to be fully implemented in late 2026/early 2027, including a transitional period

Ask us a question

Anticipated Timeline

At the time of writing there has been no confirmation of any definite fixed dates.

How will The Future Homes Standard Affect the Industry?

Going forward residential designers will need to focus on improving building fabric, incorporating low-carbon heating and hot water systems, installing EV charging infrastructure, and enhancing ventilation.

A breakdown of the key considerations:

Assessment

The new Home Energy Model (HEM) will be introduced to assess compliance, replacing the current Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). This will use a Primary Energy Rate as the main metric for measuring performance this will force the following considerations and inclusions:

  • No fossil fuels: New homes will be banned from connecting to the gas grid. This eliminates fossil fuel heating systems, including gas boilers.
  • Heat pumps: The standard promotes the use of low-carbon heating systems, with air source or ground source heat pumps expected to be the main technology.
  • Heat networks: Connecting to a low-carbon heat network is another way to meet the requirements.

Enhanced energy efficiency

  • Superior insulation: Walls, floors, and roofs must have improved insulation to minimize heat loss.
  • Triple glazing: High-quality, triple-glazed windows are likely to become favourable for new builds to increase thermal efficiency.
  • Airtightness: New homes must meet stricter airtightness and thermal bridging standards to prevent heat loss.

Improved ventilation

  • Better indoor air quality: Stricter ventilation standards ensure adequate fresh air without compromising the building’s airtightness. This can be achieved through systems like Mechanical Extract Ventilation (MEV) or Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR).
  • Overheating mitigation: The regulations include measures to prevent overheating, which is a growing problem in modern, highly insulated homes. Requirements may include limiting solar gain and incorporating passive or active cooling solutions.

Renewable energy and infrastructure

  • Solar PV: While subject to consultation, one option includes mandatory solar photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate on-site electricity.

Development Costs

Ambitious housing targets and increasing rate of development, along with the planned migration from gas will increase the required electrical capacity for new developments, which may result in subsequent cost increase associated with network reinforcement etc. as the existing capacity becomes saturated.

Project Timelines

The changes are expected to impact construction programmes (at least initially), as the industry expands new processes and technologies.  This is likely to be accentuated by the ‘skills gap.’ There is already a reported shortage in skilled installers proficient in low-carbon technologies (heat pumps & PV), which may be compounded as more schemes are delivered.

Futureproofing

As the ongoing ‘greening of the grid’ continues, off-site grid emissions will subsequently reduce as we prioritise renewable generation, along with other sources such as nuclear, hydrogen tech and carbon capture.

Smart Grids and Digitisation

The grid will become “smarter,” using digital technology and data to balance supply and demand more effectively. This will include better forecasting of renewable generation and consumer demand, and the use of data to manage the grid in real-time.

How can Hannan Associates Help with Your Residential Development?

We provide our clients with a range of services to help them meet the increasingly complex set of targets and standards that residential developments must now meet.

We have extensive experience delivering Passivhaus certified schemes, which is the pioneering sustainability standard from which many of the targets and principles for the Future Homes Standard have been derived.

If you would like a chat about the Future Homes Standard, Building Regulations, Passivhaus or anything else connected to residential developments and our services, please drop us an email.

 

Ask us a Question

Hannan Residential Services 

MEP Strategy

Utilities planning

Plant space planning & coordination

Central plant solutions

Local plant solutions

Heating & DHW strategy (inc. ASHP)

Ventilation strategy (whole house & purge)

Metering strategy

Renewables options

Vertical Transport Systems

Vertical & horizontal services distribution

Thermal analysis

Certification options i.e. Passivhaus & Home Quality Mark

Heating & DHW strategy (inc. ASHP)

Lift Traffic Analysis

Essential services & life safety systems

Cost appraisal

Planning Support

Building Regulations

Sustainability Statements

Environmental Standards and Energy Statement 

Heat Energy Network Assessment

Low Carbon Heat Appraisal

Energy and Carbon Profoma

Embodied Carbon Appraisal

Utilities Statements

Ventilation Strategy 

Broadband Connectivity

TV Reception

Part F – Ventilation

Part L – Conservation of Fuel & Power

Part O – Overheating

Part S – Infrastructure for the Charging of Electric Vehicles

Part R – Infrastructure for Electronic Communications

 

 

 

 

Low Carbon Design

 

 

Sustainability Certification & Assessment

Additional Services

 

Passive design analysis

Low & Zero Carbon (LZC) Technologies/ Renewables

MEP Design to achieve Passivhaus Certification

LETI

UKGBC

UKNZC

Local Planning Authority Targets

BREEAM UKNCR

SAP Calculations for Part L Vol 1 Compliance

Dynamic Simulation Modelling for Part L Vol 2 Compliance

Overheating assessments for Part O Compliance (Simplified Method & Dynamic Simulation)

Operational Energy Modelling (CIBSE TM54)

Life Cycle Assessment

Life Cycle Costing

Contractor design & construction monitoring

Consultation on glazing design, external shading and impact on Building Regulations Compliance

Ask us a question
Tom Cutt

Tom Cutt

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
Ian Joyce

Ian Joyce

Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Cross Lane Salford

Novella, New Bailey

Greenhaus Salford

Work Progressing on Greggs Distribution Centre Kettering

Work Progressing on Greggs Distribution Centre Kettering

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Uncategorized

Construction is underway on Greggs’ 311,551 sq ft National Distribution Centre at Tritax Big Box Developments’ Symmetry Park Kettering.

Hannan Associates are providing Building Services Engineering consultancy for the new chilled & ambient facility and have been supporting Tritax Big Box Developments with the wider development plans for the business park since 2019.

Set to complete in September 2025 and become fully operational in 2027, the facility marks a significant step forward in Greggs’ long-term growth plans.  The new distribution hub will significantly enhance Greggs’ operational capabilities by providing a streamlined system for distributing its goods.

The Design

The facility is being constructed with a strong emphasis on sustainability to align with Greggs’  aspirations.  It will be built to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard, with an EPC A rating, and will meet Net Zero Carbon in Construction requirements.

The design of the facility needed to be futureproofed to allow Greggs to extend the facility in the future therefore the MEP services and on plot infrastructure have been designed to allow this expansion to be undertaken with limited impact.

The MEP services routing within the warehouse area have been designed to co-ordinate with the critical dimensions and setting out needed for the Greggs’ automation system.

A lower GWP refrigerant has been incorporated into the office heating & cooling systems. Passive design measures were adopted at early stages to ensure the roof mounted photovoltaic array did not exceed the limits imposed by the local network.

Both Greggs and Tritax Big Box Developments are committed to integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the industry.

We are working alongside Stephen George Architects, Trinity Property Consultants, Framptons, EDP UK, Feasibility Ltd, WSP UK and Ridge on the project design team.

 

Symmetry Park Kettering  – Unit 1 Timelapse Movie

Symmetry Park Kettering

Symmetry Park Kettering, the location of the new Greggs NDC, offers a strategic advantage for logistics operations.

The park extends to a total of 136 acres and benefits from outline planning permission for 2.3 million sq ft of logistics space. Located directly alongside the A14 “Trans-European” freight route at Junction 9, it offers excellent connectivity to the UK motorway and trunk road network.

This location is particularly advantageous for Greggs, as it allows for optimal distribution routes and reduced transportation times, which are essential for maintaining product freshness and quality and reducing costs.

 

The Hannan Industrial team have supported clients with the development of over seven million square feet of industrial and logistics space.

For a chat about how we can help your future project please get in touch ……..

 

Andrew Carrington

Andrew Carrington

Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Symmetry Park, Kettering

Weston M6, Crewe

LOC8 Maidstone

Approval for Affordable Homes at New Bailey, Salford

Approval for Affordable Homes at New Bailey, Salford

by | May 28, 2025 | Blog

Image Courtesy of ECF.

The latest and final residential scheme at New Bailey, Salford has secured planning permission. 

The scheme is set to deliver 189 affordable homes and once complete will take the total number of new homes delivered at New Bailey to 1,000. The development will sit amongst five other residential schemes, including: the three blocks at The Slate Yard; Novella; and Plot C2 which is currently under construction.

ECF are delivering the scheme as part of the wider £1bn regeneration of Salford Central. ECF is a joint venture between Muse, Legal & General and Homes England, in conjunction with Salford City Council.

Hannan Associates are very happy to be a part of the team working alongside Hawkins/Brown, Buro Four, DPP Planning, Walker Sime, Renaissance, Design Fire Consultants, Project Four, WSP and Re-form Landscape Architects. 

 

Image Courtesy of ECF

Hannan Associate’s Appointment

The Hannan residential team are providing Building Services Engineering consultancy services including:

  • Early-stage technical review and development of plant space options &
    requirements
  • Utilities coordination based on proposal to connect to existing
    infrastructure installed under the Phase 1 (C1 Novella) works. 
  • Building Regulations Part L Design Stage Compliance Assessments
  • Building Regulations Part O Limiting Overheating Analysis
  • TM54 Operational Energy calculations
  • Ongoing site inspections & reporting during the construction period

 

If you would like to talk to us about a future project please give us a call or drop us an email….

 

 

Andrew Carrington

Andrew Carrington

Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Cross Lane Salford

Novella, New Bailey

The Slate Yard, New Bailey

Blackpool Civil Service Hub Now Complete

Blackpool Civil Service Hub Now Complete

by | May 19, 2025 | Blog

Image Courtesy of Joel Chester Fildes

Vinci Building have completed work on the new, £100m office building in Blackpool, which forms part of the third phase of the Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme led by Muse.

The seven storey, 215,000 sq ft office building is now home to over 3000 staff from the Department of Work and Pensions.

 

Image Courtesy of Joel Chester Fildes

Hannan Associate’s Appointment

Hannan Associates  provided Building Services Engineering Consultancy  on the project and our key duties included: 

  • MEP services CAT A & CAT B performance design duties
  • Passive design analysis
  • Low & zero carbon feasibility studies
  • Design for Performance Operational Energy Modelling via advanced dynamic simulation
  • Construction monitoring
  • BREEAM Assessor and Certification

The Building’s Green Credentials

The building has been designed to be low energy with passive measures prioritised to reduce energy demand. Low-carbon heating and cooling to the office has been provided via air source heat pumps and high efficiency chillers serving low specific fan power fan coil units. Demand control ventilation has also been provided via central air handling units incorporating heat recovery to improve indoor air quality while saving energy during periods of reduced occupancy. An extensive PV array has been provided.

Green outdoor spaces with Sustainable Urban Drainage have also been provided, enhancing local biodiversity and promoting staff health and wellbeing. Extensive Cycle Spaces and changing facilities reduce reliance on vehicle journeys, reducing associated transport emissions.

The bulding was designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification and an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A. The Base Building operational energy is aligned with UK GBC’s interim NZC target for 2030 – 2035.

We are pleased to have been a part of Muse’s design team working alongside Make Architects, RPS, Chroma, Arup, Aecom and main contractor VINCI Building.

 

Blackpool Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme

Hannan Associates were also part of the team who designed and delivered Blackpool Council’s home, the award winning Bickerstaffe House. This first phase of development at Talbot Gateway, which started twelve years ago, also included the refurbishment of the 1930s, 5 level Talbot Road multi-storey car park.

The Talbot Gateway regeneration scheme is transforming Blackpool town centre and will comprise of a new business district and civic quarter, grade A offices, retail space, event space and a new public transport interchange. It is hoped that this new development will help to drive footfall in the town centre and support Blackpool’s economic growth.

 

Image Courtesy of Joel Chester Fildes

 

Offices Workspace Expertise

New Build :: Fit Out :: Retrofit :: Repurpose

Offices & workspace, in all forms, have been at the core of our business for over 40 years.

Whether it be speculative offices designed to attract potential tenants; a highly customised HQ; or the refurbishment of an existing building,our engineers understand what clients and occupiers expect and need from the 21st Century modern workplace.

Our extensive experience in this sector, along with continued training and research, means that we can contribute in-depth knowledge of a wide range of design solutions available for office environments and advice on cost in use.

 

If you would like to talk to us about a future project please give us a call or drop us an email….

 

 

 

Andrew Carrington

Andrew Carrington

Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Freetrade Exchange, Manchester

Blackpool Council Offices, Talbot Gateway

Coop HQ, One Angel Square, Manchester

Building Physics Engineer Manchester  

Building Physics Engineer Manchester  

by | Mar 24, 2025 | Blog

We are looking for a MEP Building Physics Engineer to join the team at our busy Manchester office.

Our team are key to our success. We need enthusiastic, inspired and proactive people who are committed to new ways of thinking and working. 

The Role 

Hannan Associates are currently looking for a Building Physics Engineer to join the team at the busy Manchester office. We recognise that our workforce is our greatest asset and are currently looking for enthusiastic, inspired and proactive people who are committed to new ways of thinking and working.

We want you to help us develop our building physics design expertise on a range of building projects across the UK, working in collaboration with our M&E Engineers and wider disciplines.

A passion for building physics, LZC/Renewable solutions is paramount, in addition to understanding the ever-evolving technologies and design innovations.

 

Your key responsibilities will be to support in areas that include:

 

  • Energy modelling and building simulation

  • Completing projects for Part L compliance, CIBSE TM59/52 & AD O Compliance, EPCs, CIBSE TM54 Operational Energy, SAP Assessments

  • Early design modelling looking at passive design measures

  • Liaison with design team, statutory authorities and contractors.

  • Marketing/business development skills

  • Report writing

 The Ideal Person

  • Proficient in IES VE building simulation software (Model IT, ApacheSim, VistaPro, MacroFlo, VE Compliance)

  • Significant and credible experience in building physics specifically energy modelling and building simulation.

  • Completing projects for Part L compliance, EPCs, CIBSE TM59/52 Overheating Analysis

  • Ability to take on a proactive role on projects.

  • Experienced and confident liaising with design team and contractors.

  • Strong communication, research and analysis skills.

  • Motivated to reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.

  • An understanding of Building Regulations, energy codes and planning requirements throughout the UK.

Ask a question about the role

Desirable (non-essential) Requirements

  • A good understanding of Mechanical Building Service Systems

  • Knowledge of HVAC system modelling, HVAC components, controls and how the systems are operated.

  • Knowledge of SAP methodology and assessment

  • IES Accreditation

  • OCDEA / LCC / LCEA qualifications.

  • Degree in Building Physics or other relevant engineering discipline.

  • Daylighting simulations.

  • Knowledge of BREEAM / WELL and any other sustainable assessment methods

  • A comprehensive knowledge of current building regulations and local planning codes.

Salary Package  

-Competitive Salary with real progression opportunities

-‘Vitality’ Private health care

-‘Paycare’ Health care cash plan

-Pension contributions

-25 Days holiday

-Death in Service Cover

 

Workplace Arrangements

-Option to work two days at home

-Option to work flexible hours

-Ongoing training & development encouraged

-Community Engagement & Volunteering encouraged

-Large, bright, spacious office with your own dedicated desk

-Free Parking

-Close to the motorway network

-Short drive from Manchester City Centre

-Meeting room & break out spaces equipped with virtual meeting tech

Building Performance Engineering

Our Building Performance Engineering Department brings a fresh approach to M&E, and offers the expertise required for first-class environmental design of buildings including acoustics, building physics, façade performance, mechanical and electrical systems, lighting design, public health engineering, and low-zero carbon technologies.

We work across all sectors, including commercial, industrial, manufacturing, logistics, retail, leisure and residential for end user clients, investors, developers, architects, and project managers or engineer-led project teams.

You will be a motivated, cooperative individual capable of collaborative working in a team and supervising others when necessary. To be successful in this role you will have a methodical attitude, and knowledge of industry literature and resources as well as the initiative to use them in your work. You must have experience of building and maintaining good client relationships and visiting sites.

The Team

We recognise that we would not be here without the continued loyalty and hard work of all our team, and we feel proud that so many of our engineers have worked here together over such a long period of time, some for over 25 years. Through this strong, long serving work force we have developed lasting relationships with many clients & consultants, ensuring that 80% of our turnover is achieved through repeat business.

William E Hannan and Associates Limited is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, including job applicants. The Company provides equal opportunities regardless of disability, skin colour, race, religion, religious or philosophical beliefs, age, sex, pregnancy and maternity, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, ethnic origin or national origin.

We recruit and develop team members who are committed to the following values:

• Accessible and approachable
• Responsive and supportive
• Open and accountable
• Respectful of other people
• Committed to equal opportunities

 

 

 

 

Our Clients

We provide a totally client orientated service focused on low energy & innovative concepts. We prioritise developing long-term, collaborative relationships with clients and consultants and around 80% of our turnover is from repeat business. You will be involved in helping to develop these long term relationships as well as creating new ones.

Current clients include:

-Muse

-Tritax Big Box

-Harworth

-MUFC

-Bentley

-Peel Waters

-Genr8 Developments

-Vinci Construction

-Graham Construction

 

Projects

The role would involve working on projects across our key sectors:

Office & Workspace :: Industrial & Logistics :: Residential :: Retail & Leisure :: Stadia

Many of our projects are part of wider mixed-use regeneration schemes and current projects include:

Birkenhead Town Centre

Liverpool Waters

Talbot Gateway Blackpool

Salford Central

Tritax Park, Kettering

Prestwich Village

Arena Central Birmingham

Radcliffe Hub

MUFC Old Trafford

Sustainability 

Every project now has a Sustainability strategy and considered path towards achieving Net Zero Carbon and the need to improve the performance of buildings has significantly enhanced our role within the design teams. The services we provide are constantly evolving to meet new legislation and changing market needs & expectations. To meet the increasingly complex set of targets & standards that developments must meet we have in house sustainability and energy modelling teams.

You will have good understanding of current sustainable design practices and technologies and possess relevant design and installation experience. 

As building services engineers we have a big part to play in helping the built environment meet Net Zero Carbon and other Sustainability goals. In order to continue helping our clients drive this change, we need to continue to develop the skills and knowledge of our long standing team, as well as recruiting fresh talent to the team.

Our Story

Hannan Associates, is an independent Building Services Engineering consultancy based in Manchester, founded 40 years ago by Bill Hannan. The business is now led by Directors Ian Joyce, John Walker and Jamie Hall.

We focus on providing Building Services Engineering, Sustainability and Utilities Infrastructure Consultancy, tailored around the unique requirements of each of our clients.

Our head office is based in Denton Manchester, though we work on projects throughout the UK.

 
Apply now
Carolyn Sidebotham

Carolyn Sidebotham

Recruitment Manager

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

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