Meeting the FHS: The crucial role of collaboration

As the UK moves towards implementing the Future Homes Standard (FHS) later this year, the built environment must prepare to adapt to stricter performance requirements. The way in which heat in homes is generated and managed is set to come under greater scrutiny and, naturally, insulation has a key stake in this.

In anticipation of the FHS’ introduction, the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) has been replaced by a new measurement guide known as the Home Energy Model (HEM) which aims to better reflect real-world energy usage. Initially drawn up in 2023, the HEM is noted as a more accurate building physics model which is capable of representing the impact of features or technologies associated with low energy and Net Zero homes – ensuring that aspects, like insulation, perform in practice.

Insulation will be a cornerstone of energy-efficient homes and it requires careful implementation in a world of evolving regulation. Building energy-efficient homes that meet swathes of new criteria is not something that can be achieved in isolation.

As a result, collaboration will be instrumental to approaching the complexities of the FHS with confidence, consistency and with solutions that stand the test of time.

The importance of collaboration

Whilst the FHS may well be widely understood for its push on low-carbon heating technologies like heat pumps, the legislation will also establish clearer guidelines on insulation specifically. Once in force, new homes will be required to have lower U-values for roofs, walls, and floors as part of the standard – with air leakage also being minimised to reduce heat loss.

As part of this, a clear understanding of different insulation types will be essential, and not just in understanding thermal values. Understanding how materials interact with one another within a building system, and how specification in initial stages influences long-term performance, will be crucial.

For instance, the Mineral Wool Insulation Manufacturers Association (MIMA) has pointed out that air source heat pumps often run with low radiator flow temperatures, and insulation helps the home retain warmth, enabling the use of heat at times of the day when tariffs are cheapest. This reinforces the key relationship between insulation and heat pumps, where insulation maximises their efficiency and, ultimately, their cost-effectiveness. Recognising this synergy will be key for the sector as it comes under pressure to adapt to the wave of low-carbon heating regulations and performance requirements.

Close collaboration between manufacturers and specifiers early on in the design and build process will be key in guaranteeing that complimentary insulation and heating solutions are chosen and their performance potential maximised. As a result, collaborating with a knowledgeable partner will be key to successfully delivering FHS-compliant projects at scale.

Partnering for success

In the race to Net Zero, a higher level of insulation will deliver lower energy demand, lower energy costs and a reduction in demand on the energy grid. As a result, it’s crucial for all building elements to be viewed holistically, rather than in isolation. Getting the most out of each individual building component all begins with a collaborative design and build approach.

Choosing to work with an insulation manufacturer like Superglass, who specialise in the manufacture of thermal and acoustic glass mineral wool insulation, provides clear advantages. The manufacturer offers support on in-house U-value and Psi-value calculations through its technical service team, ensuring partners can confidently adhere to the FHS and prepare itself for the evolving regulatory landscape.

Additionally, Superglass recycles waste glass into insulation that can typically save more than 200 times the energy used to create it – as well as being deemed non-combustible with a fire classification of Euroclass A1 (the highest possible rating) when tested to BS EN 13501-1:2018 Reaction to Fire.

Learn more about partnering with Superglass and its technical support offering at: https://www.superglass.co.uk/technical-support/