New energy efficiency requirements for new dwellings and non-domestic buildings are introduced, replacing the current building efficiency standards. The new requirements aim to support the Government`s commitment of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Background
The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 introduce a number of changes to building legislation in order to implement The Future Homes and Buildings Standards (FHBS). The standards aim to ensure new homes and non-domestic buildings are built with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency and won’t need retrofitting to become zero carbon as the electricity grid decarbonises. New homes built on the new standards will emit, on average, at least 75% less carbon compared to homes built on 2013 standards.
The FHBS implementation consists of 2 stages. The first stage was introduced in 2021, when requirements for on-site generation of electricity and for the mitigation of overheating were inserted by The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2021. The plan for stage 2 implementation (full standards) was detailed in the official response to the FHBS consultation conducted between 13th November 2023 and 27th March 2024.
Changes to The Building Regulations 2010
The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2026 makes significant changes to The Building Regulations 2010.
The changes will apply from:
- 24th March 2027, in relation to new buildings; and
- 24th September 2027, in relation to higher risk buildings (HRBs)*.
*HRBs are buildings at least 18m in height or have at least 7 stories, contain at least 2 residential units, or are a care home or hospital.
Below is a summary of key changes made by the 2026 Amendment.
Fixed building services
The definition of ‘fixed building’ services, which included systems such as heating, hot water, ventilation, cooling and lighting, is expanded to also include lifts, escalators and moving footways.
As a result, fixed lifts, escalators and moving footways in new buildings (except individual dwellings) must comply with the energy efficiency, commissioning, and information requirements for fixed building services. These systems will also be included in the calculation of energy efficiency of the building.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Reasonable arrangements required for the conservation of fuel and power are expanded so the same arrangements must also be made for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable electricity generation
A system for renewable electricity generation (e.g. solar panels) must be installed in all new buildings containing at least 1 dwelling. Such system must be installed either on the building, or within its curtilage (the immediate land that forms part of the property).
The renewable electricity generation system must be able to generate a reasonable output, and the generated electricity must be available for use by residents.
Provision of information to homeowners
Under current rules, housebuilders must give adequate information to new homeowners about:
- ventilation systems;
- fixed building services;
- systems to prevent overheating (where applicable); and
- systems for on-site electricity generation (where applicable) in new homes (including homes constructed through conversion).
The 2026 Amendment requires the above information to be provided in appropriate format. The Approved Documents set out that this information should include a Home User Guide (HUG) which sets out non-technical advice on how to operate and maintain these systems in a healthy and energy efficient manner.
Consequential changes
RBCA amendment
The Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 (RBCA Regulations) are amended to require registered building control approvers to ensure housebuilders provide the required information to new homeowners in the prescribed format (i.e. via a Home User Guide).
Updated statutory guidance
Statutory guidance on building regulations is available from the regulator as Approved Documents. To support the FHBS implementation, updated versions had recently been published for approved documents ‘L’ and ‘F’.
Conclusion
The 2026 changes to building regulations are part of a bigger plan to make sure new buildings use far less energy and produce less carbon, helping the UK reach its net zero target by 2050. The FHBS set the direction, and the 2026 Amendment makes the necessary legislative changes. While these changes raise the bar and may take some getting used to, they are about making sure homes built today are zero carbon ready and won’t need costly upgrades in the future.
