New BREEAM Residential Certification Scheme

New BREEAM Residential Certification Scheme

Residential Sustainability Certification changes in 2025.
The Home Quality Mark (HQM) has now evolved into BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential, effective from April 2025.

What is changing?

HQM was launched by BRE in 2015 following the withdrawal of The Code for Sustainable Homes, as a third party certification standard for the construction of new homes in the UK. HQM provides independent verification to determine that a residential property has been designed to meet a certain level of performance in terms of sustainability and quality. In April HQM transitioned to become a new BREEAM standard.
The new standard is based on the same science as the existing BREEAM certification standards, though it is focused on residential properties rather than commercial. It provides a stamp of quality and credibility that developers can use to help make their product stand out in a competitive marketplace and for home owners it signifies a quality home that will be a comfortable, more economic and an environmentally friendly place to live.
The transition to the new standard demonstrates the BRE’s commitment to improving sustainability standards for new homes.

 

Key Benefits of the transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential

  • A more unified, streamlined approach to Residential Sustainability Certification
  • Help to ensure that the UK housing sector stays at the forefront of progression in terms of sustainability
  • Enhanced credibility and recognition for the UK housing market by aligning with the BREEAM brand
  • Better alignment with the UK’s wider sustainability targets

What do you need to do to now that the changes are in effect?

No significant immediate impact as all current HQM registrations remain valid. Future projects, however, will be registered and assessed under BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential V6.1.
There have been some minor changes to the daylighting criteria, enhanced lifecycle assessment and embodied carbon measurement. These now need to be considered under the new standard.

 

How are Hannan Associates helping clients?

Hannan are currently working with several clients on a number of varied residential projects from masterplan level to individual buildings. Hannan would be happy to discuss how we can help your teams transition to the new scheme, with minimal disturbance and maximum effectiveness.

The UK Housing Sector

The UK Government has prioritised tackling the housing crisis and has set a target to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, but at the same time, the housing sector has been impacted by multiple factors in recent years and is in something of a transition period.
In 2022, emissions from residential buildings accounted for a fifth (20%) of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK and 30% of the UK’s total energy use (Ofgem). All New Homes will be required to decarbonise to help meet the UK’s 2050 NZC targets. England, under the 2021 regulation uplift, which requires semi-detached homes to have 30% lower emissions than a comparable home built under 2013 standards. The UK Government has proposed further changes to these requirements under the Future Homes Standard.
Tim Bell

Tim Bell

Head of Sustainability

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

Willohaus Salford

Greenhaus Salford

Valette Square Salford

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

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

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

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.

 

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

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)

 

BREEAM UKNCR

Life Cycle Assessment

Life Cycle Costing

Contractor design & construction monitoring

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

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

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

Blackpool Civil Service Hub Now Complete

Blackpool Civil Service Hub Now Complete

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

New £7m Substation for Birkenhead

New £7m Substation for Birkenhead

Ameon Utilities have commenced construction of a new, £7m substation in Birkenhead, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing  regeneration of the Wirral.

Hannan Associates worked alongside Ameon and the client, the Wirral Growth Company, to develop a utilities infrastructure strategy that would support rising energy demands and help future proof Birkenhead and its neighbouring towns for future development plans.

The Birkenhead substation is set to play a crucial role in upgrading the region’s energy capabilities, meeting the demands of its expanding population and commercial activities. By providing a stable and efficient power supply, the substation will significantly reduce the likelihood of power outages, ensuring a more reliable service for both residents and businesses. This enhanced infrastructure is essential for supporting the area’s continued growth and regeneration, enabling new developments and economic opportunities.

The substation stands to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits. The new power will deliver all electric buildings using heat pump technology to take advantage of the decarbonisation of the national grid. This focus on efficiency will help reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the area’s broader sustainability targets.

With its capacity, it will facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient power grid. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses current needs but also positions Birkenhead and the broader Wirral area for long-term success.

Fellow project team members for the new sub-station includes: Ameon Utilities;  Buro Four and Abacus.

This development is part of the Wirral Growth Company’s wider masterplan for Birkenhead town centre. Hannan Associates have been involved with the scheme since 2017 providing Utilities Infrastructure, Building Services Engineering and BREEAM consultancy. The Wirral Growth Company is a joint venture between Wirral Council and Muse.

Previous phases of work included the construction of two new Grade A office buildings, totalling 150,000 sq ft, one of which is now occupied by Wirral Borough Council.  During this phase, the project included the demolition of 27 retail units, for which we organised multiple complex infrastructure diversions of HV, LV, BT, Virgin, Drainage, Gas and Water services. 

 

Ian Joyce

Ian Joyce

Director

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

Wirral Regeneration

Liverpool Waters

DWP Hub, Talbot Gateway Blackpool

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