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Paul Collins, Technical Director at NICEIC, provides his take on the publication of the Future Homes Standard – “a potentially significant step forward” on the path to net zero.
We welcome the government’s announcement on the Future Homes Standard, which marks a potentially significant step towards meeting the UK's net zero commitments.
Key measures announced include the introduction of a functional requirement to the Building Regulations that new homes (with some exceptions) are built with on-site renewable electricity generation, with the government anticipating the majority of this will be solar. The Future Homes Standard will also see homes built with low carbon heating such as heat pumps.
“Much-needed clarity”
The announcement provides much-needed clarity for households, industry, and installers.
NICEIC-certified businesses continue to play a key role in the net zero transition, and those with the right training and expertise will be well positioned to deliver as demand for new low carbon installations increases.
For those considering expansion into renewables, today’s announcement should provide the reassurance needed to make the investment in training and upskilling.
The need for a skilled workforce
As attention shifts from policy design to delivery, it is clear that successful implementation will rely on a highly skilled workforce. While significant progress has been made across the electrotechnical and wider built‑environment sectors, the skills gap remains a pressing challenge.
Real and sustained progress will require a robust talent pipeline, supported by ongoing training and upskilling, to ensure that professionals have the competence and capability needed to meet growing demand. Investing in people is an essential foundation of the transition and must remain a priority into the years ahead.
We also note the government’s move to enable households to purchase 'plugin solar'. As this technology becomes more accessible, electrical safety must remain the priority. Recent investigations by Electrical Safety First (ESF) highlight safety and regulatory challenges. We will work with ESF, industry experts, and the government to ensure these are addressed so consumers can adopt the technology with confidence.
