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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>We have consulted on a meaningful
and achievable increase to the energy efficiency standards for new homes as a first
step towards the 2025 standard. 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 stage-one 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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