Future Homes Hub

The Future Homes Hub published the standard set of sustainability metrics for the new homes sector at the Future Homes Conference 2024. These metrics have been developed through a collaborative process between homebuilders, financial institutions, Homes England, NextGeneration Initiative and other bodies to enable consistent and robust measurement of progress across companies and the sector.    The next phase of work is to publish measurement methods, guidance and reporting tools at the launch of the core metrics in Spring 2025 with a lead in period for reporting.   To find out more, please visit: https://lnkd.in/en-SkUkT Special thanks to Alex Roberts Alex Taylor andrew day Elsie Hargate Fran Leedham Garry Cornell Ian Heasman Jo Stott John O'Dwyer Jon Watts, Kathryn Dapre Lauren Edwards (Ashwell) Lorraine Fursland Mark Kershaw Neil Macdonald Rob Worboys Sarah Pratt FIEMA Simon Park Sarah Greenwood Emma Harvey-Smith Chris Yau David Willock Marcos Navarro Zoe Lamb Dan G. John Alker Lloyds Corporate & Institutional Lloyds Business & Commercial NatWest Group for supporting the development of the metrics. #sustainability #futurehomes #FutureHomesHub #newhomes #sustainabilitymetrics #sustainableconstruction #greenbuilding #environment #climatechange #netzero 

Embodied carbon will make up the vast majority of carbon emissions as we rapidly decarbonise the operation of new homes. At the Future Homes Conference, this focused breakout session discussed the pressing issue: How can we significantly reduce the carbon footprint of new homes?   The session delved into the complexities of embodied carbon, emphasising the need for industry-wide collaboration and innovation. Key takeaways included:   - The scale of the challenge: The upcoming Net Zero Carbon Transition Plan sets out an initial pathway showing the pace at which embodied carbon needs to be reduced to support UK carbon budgets. - Education, consistency and data: The panel recognised the importance of raising awareness about embodied carbon and the critical role of accurate and agreed product carbon data, using a consistent measurement approach, drawing on the Hub’s whole life carbon conventions simple tool and benchmarking exercise. - Government regulation and industry action: Strong government support, combined with proactive measures from developers, designers, and the supply chain, will be essential to drive the transition.   As Tim den Dekker stated, "Don't let perfection be the enemy of good." We must start taking action, even with imperfect data, to build momentum and drive progress.” The graph shows the key enablers voted on by the breakout delegates to ensure that the sector can reduce embodied carbon in the next five years. What do you think?   Find out more about the Hub’s embodied carbon work here: Current Future Homes Hub Project - Embodied and whole-life carbon Brian J. Megan Adlen Michael Keaveney Jamie Bursnell Tim den Dekker Elaine Toogood Daniel Neasham   #FutureHomesConference #EmbodiedCarbon #NetZero #Sustainability #ClimateAction #Construction #Homebuilding #GreenBuilding

The recent Future Homes Conference 2024 highlighted the industry's commitment to delivering the Future Homes Standard (FHS) at scale. A lively breakout session delved into the key enablers and challenges associated with building zero carbon ready homes. Participants were asked to vote on their confidence in delivering the FHS at scale. Notably, 80% rated their confidence as 3 or higher on a 5-point scale. While many aspects of FHS delivery must align for success, a clear consensus emerged on the 'key enablers.' Critical factors included ensuring sufficient grid capacity to accommodate increased energy demand from low-carbon technologies. The Home Energy Model (HEM) will be a valuable tool for optimising energy performance and reducing carbon emissions. Scaling up heat pump installations is crucial to meet FHS targets, and industry experts are optimistic about the growth potential of this technology. The Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) plans to publish the full details of the FHS, including transitional timelines and the HEM, in the near future. Let's continue the conversation and work together to accelerate the adoption of the Future Homes Standard. Our thanks to: Charlotte Lee (Chief Executive, Heat Pump Association), Trudie McCormick (Group Technical Development Director, Keepmoat), Neil Madgwick (Head of Connections Service Delivery UK Power Networks), Danielle Michalska (Group Technical Innovation Manager, Barratt Redrow), Stephen Andrew (Group Technical Director, Taylor Wimpey), John Palmer (Deputy Director, New Build Standards and Performance, MHCLG), Stewart Dalgarno (Future Homes Hub – Project Lead, Consumer IG), David Adams (Strategic Advisor, Future Homes Hub). #FutureHomesStandard #FHS #SustainableHousing #NetZero #HeatPumps #GridCapacity #HomeEnergyModel #ClimateAction

At the Future Homes Conference, we held a fascinating breakout session on Sustainable Places. We delved into the crucial question: "How can we embed sustainable placemaking practices in the creation of new communities?" The session featured inspiring presentations from industry leaders, showcasing exemplary projects at various scales and densities. A lively panel discussion followed, highlighting the importance of learning from these great examples to raise the bar across the sector. A key takeaway from the session was the need for long-term strategies and visions to ensure the sustainability of new communities. This includes addressing community creation, nature conservation, and the ongoing stewardship of these places. Other key takeaways included: - Local government support: The critical role of local government in facilitating infrastructure and community assets to support the creation of high-quality, sustainable places. - National standards: The need for national standards to drive improved quality and efficiency across the country. - Location: The importance of careful site selection near good public transport to avoid creating car-reliant developments is the first step to creating sustainable places. Share your thoughts on sustainable placemaking and what you think are the most critical factors for success. Andrew Taylor FRTPI (Group Planning Director, Vistry), Amy Burbidge (Head of Master Development and Design, Homes England), Rob Boughton (CEO, Thakeham), Sebastian Loyn (Director of Planning and Development, YTL Developments), Steve Quartermain (Director, Quartermain Land and Development Federation), Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI FICE FRSA MCMI CMgr (Chief Executive, Royal Town Planning Institute), Ashley Spearing (Managing Director, Berkley), James Scott (Group Director of Strategy and Planning, Urban and Civic). #FutureHomes #SustainablePlaces #Placemaking #UrbanPlanning

At the Future Homes Conference last week, we had a fantastic discussion on implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) in the Nature Recovery breakout session. The question of focus was ‘Can the sector embrace BNG to deliver good outcomes for customer and nature?’ The attendees were asked how confident they are that BNG will be fully embedded in the next five years and what felt would be the critical enablers. Top of the list was sufficient skills and resources in planning authorities and across developer specialisms.    Key takeaways included: - BNG is here to stay: 78% of attendees are confident or very confident that BNG will be fully embedded in the next five years. - Beyond BNG: We need to see BNG as part of a wider range of nature recovery measures, ensuring that it benefits both people and wildlife. - Community Engagement: It's crucial to engage with communities and homeowners to foster a positive attitude towards BNG and encourage access to nature. - Skills and Resources: Sufficient skills and resources in planning authorities and across developer specialisms will be essential to meet BNG requirements. - Multifunctional Open Spaces: Open spaces will need to become more multifunctional to support both biodiversity and community needs. - Long-Term Stewardship: Establishing long-term stewardship over 30 years is vital to ensure the sustainability of BNG projects.   Stay tuned for our full conference report later this month for a deeper dive into these topics. Helen Nyul Emma Toovey David Sutherland Miles Lewis Robin Waddell  #FutureHomesConference #BiodiversityNetGain #NatureRecovery #SustainableDevelopment #UrbanPlanning

It’s already one week since the Future Homes Conference took place, and we wanted to share a series of insights from the five interactive breakout sessions at the event - starting with Water Efficiency and Reuse.    Recognising the impending water scarcity challenge the country faces, the breakout focused on how new residential development can contribute to reducing water demand and help create a sustainable balance of supply and demand for the future. A move to more efficient fittings and appliances and water reuse were discussed as key to release the full potential for water efficiency in new build homes.    It was agreed that the key enablers to achieve progress in this area is to have a clear roadmap for future changes to Part G of the Building Regulations, reflecting the proposed roadmap in the Water Ready report (view the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eA95a9sB) Participants also wanted to see agreed standards for dual pipe plumbing systems to enable water reuse, revised regulations for community scale reuse and a national framework for an agreed sharing of responsibilities for managing water stress challenges.     The sessions were chaired by JEAN SPENCER, Independent Chair of National Water Resources Framework, Water Smart Communities, with panellists Lutz Johnen, Managing Director, Aquality, George Warren, Integrated Water Manager, Anglian Water, Peter Lacey, Project Manager, Duchy of Cornwall, and David Robins, Director of Central Technical Services, Places for People. 

On Wednesday, 4th December 2024, 450 people from across the industry and its supply chains came together at the Future Homes Conference to look at: - The Big Picture: Understanding the broader context of the green agenda and its impact on the housing industry.  - Industry Challenges: Exploring the specific challenges facing the sector and identifying innovative solutions.  - Collaborative Solutions: Discovering how we can work together to build high-quality, sustainable homes at scale. As the UK strives to meet its ambitious climate and environmental goals, the new homes sector is at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Watch the video played in the opening plenary to hear thought-provoking insights on the challenges and solutions facing the sector from key players across the industry. #FutureHomesHub #FutureHomesConference #video #sustainability #sustainableconstruction  Charlotte Lee Ranjit Kang Jo Stott Joseph H Hudson Mark White Edward Lockhart-Mummery Steve Wood Richard Kinloch Kathryn Dapre Lorraine Fursland Rob Boughton Rob Perrins David Mooney Nicci Russell (she/her) Hon FCIWEM FIWater Ian Pritchett Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI FICE FRSA MCMI CMgr

One Plan: scaling up delivery was launched at the Future Homes Conference on 4th December, and sets context for scaling up housing delivery and delivery on sustainability simultaneously. The document takes stock of new homes progress in key areas: - Future Homes Standard and beyond  - Embodied carbon  - Water efficiency  - Nature recovery  - Sustainable places It underlines the importance of the whole new homes community collaborating to a single plan and of the 5Cs we need working in partnership with Government: - Certainty  - Consistency  - Coherence  - Customer and community-focus  - Collaboration One Plan: Scaling up delivery publishes the metrics to enable the new homes community to measure progress consistently at project, company and sector level, developed with the NextGeneration Initiative, Homes England and financial institutions and draws together the roadmap for future change. Read the full document here: https://lnkd.in/d2F7VQCT #FutureHomesHub #SustainableHomes #NetZero #ClimateAction #SustainableHomebuilding #Construction #RealEstate 

It was an excellent Future Homes Conference yesterday, which underlined the significant progress of the industry towards building zero carbon homes, using water wisely and making great places for people and nature. Over 500 leaders and experts from across housebuilding, the supply chain, government, NGOs and finance, came together to work collaboratively, to discuss and share solutions on a range of sustainability issues. On the day, the Future Homes Hub launched its One plan: Scaling up delivery, along with a set of sustainability metrics to enable the whole sector to consistently measure its progress on this important issue. And it was great to hear Sharon Taylor give government’s backing for the Homes for Nature initiative, installing swift bricks and hedgehog highways at new developments across the country. Thanks to Baroness Taylor, Beccy Speight, Piers Forster, Ruth Kelly, Greg Jackson, Pete Redfern, Esther Dijkstra, Steve Wood and so many more great speakers and panelists, as well as to Lloyds Banking Group, NHBC and Homes England for sponsoring the event. Finally, thanks to Edward Lockhart-Mummery and the Hub team for making it all happen.   I'm optimistic for the future, with an industry of talented people committed to building a generation of sustainable homes, together.

Future Homes Conference 2024   450 new homes stakeholders took stock of the new homes community’s progress in meeting climate and environmental goals on 4 December at the QE2 centre.   Highlights included:   Publication of One Plan: Scaling up delivery. Progress, opportunities, challenges and sector-wide collaboration in key areas. Launch of the new homes sustainability metrics. Key messages from plenary speakers: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Minister Sharon Taylor. Reconfirmed the Government’s commitment to the Future Homes Standard, announced the EPC consultation and the Government’s support for the Homes for Nature initiative. Championed the Hub and sector’s partnership work on the Future Homes Standard and the Net Zero Transition Plan. “Getting Britain building again is our partnership ambition. Working with you we can build a better, greener future which we all deserve” Piers Forster, Climate Change Committee. Climate change is accelerating. I welcome the sector setting out its own emissions reduction trajectory. Beccy Speight, RSPB. Nature matters because it underpins everything. We need a coherent national spatial plan that designs in nature from the start. Ruth Kelly, Water UK. Water sector investment in water supply and sewerage is fundamental to deliver the housing growth needed. David Thomas, Future Homes Hub and Barratt Redrow. The current decade will be the biggest period of change the industry has seen. We must move with speed and not make perfection the enemy of the good. We can all make positive change through our own organisations. Greg Jackson, Octopus Energy. Electrification is inevitable. Solar power is 9x and batteries 10x cheaper than a decade ago.  Esther Dijkstra, Lloyds Banking Group. Welcomed the sustainability metrics and alignment with the Next Generation Initiative. Pete Redfern, Travis Perkins. The new homes sector can thrive but needs long term certainty, collaboration to overcome bottle necks and better data shared across supply chain.  Steve Wood NHBC. NHBC is working with DfE and CITB to roll out multi-skill hubs to develop the skills needed to build sustainably at scale.   Breakout sessions took stock of the sector’s readiness, the challenges and solutions to deliver in 5 key areas: The Future Homes Standard, chair David Adams Embodied carbon, chair Brian J. Miller Homes Ltd Water efficiency and reuse, chair JEAN SPENCER Enabling Water Smart Communities Nature’s recovery, chair Helen Nyul Sustainable Places, chair Andrew Taylor FRTPI Vistry Group   Watch out for more on the metrics, the conference film and conference report – to be shared shortly.   A massive thanks to conference partners Homes England NHBC Lloyds Banking Group, all chairs, speakers, exhibitors VELUX Mira Showers Mineral Products UPOWA AiDASH Triton Showers Aquality Trading & Consulting Ltd Daikin Europe Rendesco GTC Greenbelt Group Environment Bank H+H UK Limited and everyone who participated.