UKIFDA Responds To The Government Future Homes Standard Consultation

14th February 2020

The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), has submitted its views on the Government’s Future Homes Standard consultation and welcomes the proposals to future-proof new homes in 2020 with low carbon heating and increased energy efficiency levels requirements by 2025.

The first of a two-part consultation by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on proposed changes to the Building Regulations, this consultation details how the standards for new homes will change over the next year and before the Future Homes Standard is introduced in 2025.

“We are pleased with the consultation from MHCLG and welcome the proposed changes it sets out to the Building Regulations in 2020 and paving the way for the Future Homes Standard in five years’ time,” says Guy Pulham, CEO of UKIFDA.

“However, it is important to keep an open mind regarding technologies if this crucial goal is to be achieved, and to not close off longer-term alternative solutions, adds Guy

“Point 2.17 of the consultation states that technologies won’t be prescribed but point 2.16 implies the view of MHCLG is to heat future homes via heat pumps. Possible options need to tackle the full range of locations and building types as well as provide an affordable option for consumers rather than only striving for total electrification – for example, biofuel should be considered as an alternative to heating oil.

“Liquid fuels such as biofuels offer benefits for new homes in rural areas, including the fact they are easy to transport and a reliable supply of energy. Furthermore, research shows that liquid biofuels achieve the lowest cost (£122) per tonne of carbon saved, based on capital and operational costs over the lifetime of an appliance, making liquid fuel technology competitive.”

“UKIFDA believes that fuel factors for other fuels should not be removed to allow for innovations in biofuels,” Guy states.

“100% liquid biofuel derived from sustainable waste sources would be near zero carbon – the regulation should not prevent innovation that could create cost effective solutions.

“Overall, we are happy with the proposed changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for new homes and feel positive that new homes can be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-class energy efficiency levels via the Future Homes Standard in 2025.

“We do urge the MHCLG to consider widening not narrowing options for technologies and to give liquid fuels such as biofuels a fighting chance as they truly do have the potential to provide a low carbon, affordable, and reliable energy supply for those living in rural areas and off-grid.”