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<p>The Government remains committed to meeting its target of net zero emissions by
2050 and recognises the important contribution that the energy efficiency of buildings
has to make in meeting it. In October 2019, we launched the first stage of a two-part
consultation on Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations. We proposed an ambitious
uplift in the energy efficiency of new homes through the introduction of a Future
Homes Standard from 2025. We expect that homes built to the Future Homes Standard
will have carbon dioxide emissions 75-80 per cent lower than those built to current
Building Regulations standards, which means they will be fit for the future, with
low carbon heating and very high fabric standards.</p><p>As a stepping stone to the
Future Homes Standard, we have consulted on a meaningful and achievable increase to
the energy efficiency standards for new homes in 2020. The preferred option set out
in consultation is a standard that should result in a 31 per cent reduction in emissions,
compared to current standards.</p><p>We have proposed a stringent minimum standard
for energy efficiency, to be applied across the country, to address issues of ambition,
consistency, offsetting and targeting. This means that there may no longer be any
need for local planning authorities to set higher standards at a local level. Our
research suggests that few local planning authorities set higher standards, but those
who do often set a 19 per cent improvement over 2013 standards. Our 2020 proposals
will see a 31 per cent improvement over 2013 standards. In some local areas carbon
offsetting schemes form part of the energy efficiency framework for buildings; and
in others energy efficiency standards are targeted at specific kinds of building work.
A single, national standard may minimise any confusion and uncertainty for local planning
authorities, and better support the growth of supply chains of key products required
to deliver the Future Homes Standard.</p><p>The Future Homes Standard consultation
closed on 7 February. The responses we received will be considered carefully, and
a Government response will be published in due course.</p>
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