How effective new build specification supports efficiency

It’s no secret that the UK is in the midst of a housing crisis and whilst many factors are contributing to that, there is one key resolution – to increase the availability of homes to meet demand.

The Labour government has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, focusing on planning policy and targets to help boost housebuilding, particularly in areas where house prices are most ‘out of step’ with local incomes.

However, quantity must not come at the cost of quality.

Requirements set out in the Building Regulations and the imminent Future Homes Standard set standards for energy efficiency in new homes. The focus for developers and specifiers now is on building highly efficient homes, at scale, to meet demand.  

With this in mind, this blog explores the current and future legislation shaping building trends, and how that’s impacting new build specification to help ensure the new homes are cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in and better for the environment.

From a home heating perspective, there are a number of key regulations for housebuilders to keep in mind when planning new build specification – whether that’s high-rise buildings or typical semi-detached homes.

As we know, Part L of the Building Regulations sets standards for the energy performance of buildings, including their insulation, heating, lighting, ventilation, and use of renewable energy.

In addition, the Future Homes Standard (FHS) aims to pave the way for more comfortable and environmentally responsible homes, whilst contributing to the UK’s net-zero goals.

The FHS, which applies to all new homes built in England from 2025, aims to cut carbon emissions by 75-80% compared to current standards by prioritising low-carbon heating systems and focusing on fabric efficiency.

Both Part L and the FHS primarily target a reduction in emissions to boost the overall efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. Home heating remains the biggest contributor to household emissions (and bills). It’s clear to see how switching up our approach across new builds and renovations, alongside other efficiency measures set out in the FHS, will be key to achieving net-zero by 2050.

However, there are additional benefits too. Well-specified new build heating solution will boost performance for occupants, delivering more reliable plumbing and heating all year round and ultimately more comfortable homes.

Greater energy efficiency can also mean cheaper bills, which is always a welcome relief for occupiers. The Home Builders Federation’s Watt a Save report says that the average new build homebuyer saves more than £130 a month on energy bills compared with purchasers of equivalent older properties, which equates to more than £1,600 a year. New technologies can continue to drive down these costs. 

It’ll come as no surprise to developers that, in order to meet significantly enhanced regulations, the technology and solutions in homes will need to change. One of the most significant changes has been in the new build specification of heating systems.

Updates to Part L of the Building Regulations from June 2022 (or June 2023 if the building was already given Building Regulations approval) state that newly installed wet central heating systems must be sized to operate at a maximum flow rate of 55oC. As you might expect, this is leading many developers to specify alternative types of heating to meet regulations.

This change encourages the specification of heat pumps, voiding the need for boilers in many new build homes that are designed for greater efficiency. Underfloor heating (UFH) is becoming a familiar new build specification feature too, well suited to work efficiently with heat pumps because both systems work effectively at the lower operating temperatures required by evolving regulations.

The updated regulations also consider safety, both at the point of use for occupants and the broader system.

Since 2010, new builds in England and Wales must have Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) installed to comply with Part G of the Building Regulations. They play a vital role in protecting people from accidental burns by maintaining the safe and stable temperature of water from sinks, showers or baths.

We’ve published a new eGuide on TMVs, giving specifiers the information they need to identify the right product for different building designs, select the right location and size, and to better understand the benefits. You can download it here.

Safety also relates to the broader water supply, and backflow prevention will need to be considered in some applications. Fluids are categorised based on their level of risk and a range of different backflow prevention valves are available for different fluid categories, to keep water supplies sanitary and safe.

There’s another important consideration for specifiers when choosing the solutions that make a future-proof heating system in new homes – long-term sustainability.

While there are no regulations directly affecting the types of materials required in plumbing or heating systems (other than around the heat source itself), it’s vital to consider material choice to ensure the specification of durable, long-lasting systems.

Plastic pipes and fittings are known for their durability and ease of use, including their flexibility which enables longer pipe runs to be achieved with less connection points. As well as delivering long-term reliability and value, these characteristics also reduce the potential for leaks and, in turn, helps to save water. The good corrosion resistance of polybutylene and PEX Barrier pipes mean they will perform just as well decades down the road as they did on the day they were installed.

Push-fit technology makes installation more straightforward and faster, delivering tangible results during the development phase. Plastic manifolds can also be used to create central distribution points for hot and cold supplies, reducing pipework complexity and improving efficiency.

Whether a full UFH system or individual valves and fittings, all of these solutions are helping specifiers to deliver efficient homes – meeting objectives for occupiers, whilst ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

It might require a shift in technology and mindset for some, but with correct specification and added value support from manufacturers, the benefits are tangible.