How We Think This Government Will Impact Building Design

We have reviewed their manifesto pledges and highlighted some key changes to look out for that will impact sustainable building design:

Clean energy by 2030

• Commitment to achieve net zero-carbon electricity by 2030 will lead to greater heat pump adoption.
• Cleaner gas using hydrogen is expected to impact industrial clusters and not dwellings.
• The government has not clarified their position on the Future Home Standard, but future regulations are unlikely to soften.
• The government’s aims to limit impacts of climate change will be further supported by changes to the NPPF.

Energy system reform

• The government has pledged tougher energy market regulations and enforcement powers. They have however not clarified their position on existing heat network consultations, but less scrutiny is unlikely.
• The focus on electrical grid has the potential to catalyse integration of technologies such as batteries for appropriate developments.

Minimum energy efficiency ratings

• The government is expected to bring in minimum energy efficiency standards for private renting sector. A potential measure of this could be through EPC rating, which are currently based on regulations on the date of its production.

Mitigating climate change

• The government discusses that supply chains will be encouraged to help attain net zero through financial, product and waste policies.
• Though unclear on how the natural environment will improve resilience expect adaptation measure covering nutrient neutrality, nature and water.