The Future Homes Standard, Building Regulations & SAP

To meet the 2025 Future Homes Standard and achieve the UK’s net zero targets by 2035, developers must move away from traditional heating systems and embrace low-carbon technologies like heat pumps. At Alto Energy, we partner with housebuilders to design and deliver efficient, compliant heating systems that align with evolving Building Regulations and help futureproof new developments.

Learn more about Building Regulations and SAP compliance.

What is the future homes standard?

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is a new set of building regulations being introduced by the UK government, aimed at significantly reducing carbon emissions from new homes. Due to be implemented in 2025, the standard will require all newly built homes to be zero carbon ready, meaning they will not rely on fossil fuels like gas for heating or hot water.

In practical terms, this means new homes will need to be:

Highly energy efficient
Equipped with low-carbon heating systems (such as air source or ground source heat pumps)
Built with improved insulation standards

Once in effect, it will mark the end of gas boiler installations in new builds, pushing developers and installers toward renewable energy solutions and sustainable building practices.

Worcester Bosch air source heat pump installed at a new build property — “

The UK government has set a legally binding target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. From homes to offices, the UK’s built environment is responsible for around 30% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions; decarbonising new buildings is an important part of that challenge.
**- GOV.UK**

Future homes standard timeline

The Future Homes Standard is set to come into force in 2025, marking a significant shift in how new homes in England are designed and built. The primary goal is to ensure that all new homes produce 75–80% less carbon emissions compared to those built under previous regulations.

Here’s a breakdown of key milestones:

2021: The interim update to Building Regulations (Part L and F) introduced higher energy efficiency standards as a stepping stone to 2025.
2023–2024: Ongoing consultation and industry preparation. Developers, specifiers, and installers are adapting to low-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps and improved insulation.
Mid-2025 (Expected): The Future Homes Standard is formally introduced. From this point onward, all new homes must comply with the updated regulations.

This means that by the end of 2025, traditional gas boilers will no longer be allowed in new builds. Instead, low-carbon heating solutions like heat pumps will become the norm.

What has the government said?

"All options set out in the Future Homes Standard consultation would result in significant emissions reductions compared to previous standards. This would see those homes all built with no fossil fuel boilers, becoming fully net zero, without further cost to householders, by 2030 as the grid decarbonises.”

"All performance requirements are based on notional buildings with an efficient air source heat pump or a 4th generation heat network that uses air source heat pumps. We considered other types of widely commercially available electric heating, such as direct electric and immersion heaters. While these achieve the goal of being ‘zero-carbon ready’ they can be more expensive to run than modern heat pumps, pushing up bills for households.”

"We found no practical way to allow the installation of fossil fuel boilers while also delivering significant carbon savings and ‘zero-carbon ready’ homes. As such, we do not expect fossil fuel heating, such as gas, hybrid heat pumps and hydrogen-ready boilers, will meet these standards. The standards proposed are also unlikely to allow the installation of biofuel systems, including wood and manufactured solid fuels.”

How alto energy can help

At Alto Energy, we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in heat pump solutions, offering a full range of services that simplify the journey toward compliance with the Future Homes Standard. Our developer-focused business model gives you easy access to expertly designed, energy-efficient heat pump systems.

Our air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and underfloor heating solutions offer substantial carbon savings, simplifying compliance with Building Regulations. Beyond regulatory benefits, these technologies enhance the appeal of new homes by offering low running costs and creating a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing living environment for your customers.

Air source heat pump installed at a new-build property, supporting compliance with the Future Homes Standard 2025. — Low-carbon heat pumps play a key role in meeting the Future Homes Standard.

Key Services Provided

Here's how our expertise can benefit your projects:

Bespoke heat pump design specifically for each property type
Design, supply and commissioning service with full MCS accreditation
Training for your contractors or access to our trusted nationwide installer network
Comprehensive handover pack, including certification and user instructions
Lifetime technical support, plus service and maintenance options for homeowners

With Alto Energy as your partner, you can simplify compliance, reduce complexity, and deliver homes that meet the Future Homes Standard with confidence.

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Future Homes Standard 2025: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Future Homes Standard 2025?

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) is a new building regulation that comes into effect in 2025. The goal of the FHS is to dramatically reduce carbon emissions from new build properties by improving energy efficiency and mandating low carbon heating solutions like heat pumps.

when does future homes standard start?

The full rollout of the FHS is expected to take place in 2025.

Will gas boilers be banned under the Future Homes Standard?

Yes, under the FHS, new homes will no longer be fitted with gas boilers. Instead, homes will require low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps or other renewable alternatives.

Does the Future Homes Standard apply to existing homes or only new builds?

The FHS will apply to new build properties and certain renovation projects. Renovation work that involves installing or upgrading thermal elements, such as external walls, roofs, or floors, may also need to meet the FHS.

Building Regulations & SAP: How Heat Pumps Help You Comply

What are part L Building Regulations?

The Building Regulations set the minimum standards for how buildings in the UK are designed, constructed, and made energy efficient. A key focus is on reducing carbon emissions from new buildings.

As stated in the regulations:

“Where a building is erected, it shall not exceed the target CO₂ emission rate for the building…”

Part L of the Building Regulations focuses specifically on the conservation of fuel and power. It requires that buildings limit heat loss and gain, use energy-efficient services with effective controls, and are properly commissioned. It also mandates that clear information is provided to ensure the building can be operated efficiently over its lifetime.

What is SAP?

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the UK Government’s approved method for calculating a building’s emission rate. The Government sets targets that new buildings must achieve, and the minimum standards are stated within Part L.

Target Emission Rate (TER): For any given property, a TER is established. This is the emission rate for a notional dwelling of identical dimensions to that which is being built, based on the minimum requirements stated within Part L.
Dwelling Emission Rate (DER): The actual building must achieve a DER lower than the TER to be compliant. To meet these targets, developers must carefully specify materials and technologies that reduce carbon emissions of the property.

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Why Heat Pumps Perform So Well in SAP

Heating is one of the largest contributors to a building’s CO₂ emissions. That’s where heat pumps make a major difference.

Heat pumps deliver up to 4 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity used — making them one of the most efficient and future-ready heating options. As the UK’s grid becomes increasingly powered by renewables, the emissions associated with electricity continue to fall, making heat pumps an even cleaner solution over time.

Heat Pumps and SAp Appendix Q

Not all heat pumps are created equal. SAP sets out benchmark efficiencies that can be used for ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps. However, certain heat pump manufacturers' heat pumps are listed within the SAP Appendix Q Database.

Heat pumps listed within this database are allowed to use their specific performance figures, as opposed to the generic performance figures stipulated with the main body of the SAP calculation. This provides a further reduction in the CO2 emission rate for the building.

At Alto Energy, all our heat pumps are listed in the SAP Appendix Q Database, ensuring developers gain maximum benefit in SAP assessments and Part L compliance.

Ready to Specify a Compliant Heating System?

Contact our team to discuss how our heat pump solutions can help you achieve full compliance with Building Regulations Part L.

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Our Accreditations

We take the quality of our products and services very seriously. This is reflected in the accreditations we have obtained in order to ensure that we are completely compliant with all of the relevant industry standards.