We’re looking forward to helping housebuilders with the Future Homes Standard

As always, West Fraser is ahead of the curve when it comes to new industry standard and regulations. Here, we discuss all there is to know about the hot topic, the Future Homes Standard

The Future Homes Standard aims to ensure that all new homes, built from 2025, are energy efficient and low carbon; it is part of the UK’s broader goal to create zero carbon ready homes by 2050.

Key points include:

• New homes must achieve a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to current regulations.
• The standard will set new requirements for insulation, heating systems, and ventilation to improve energy efficiency.
• It will require the construction industry to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices.
• The standard complements existing Building Regulations to ensure a sustainable future for housing.

Let’s delve into how West Fraser is helping customers by asking a few questions.

Which big volume housebuilders does West Fraser supply?

We work with a large section of national and regional housebuilders across the UK.  They trust us to develop products which complement their environmental obligations and aspirations.

What does West Fraser expect from the Future Homes Standard?

We hope that the initiative presents an opportunity to redefine how we build and live by helping achieve net zero targets with carbon savings, improved fabric efficiency, ventilation and indoor air quality, energy performance, and compliance. West Fraser is ready with the products!

What products does West Fraser supply to help housebuilders meet the expected demands of the FHS?

Our SterlingOSB Zero and particleboard allow for both improved fabric efficiency and thermal performance to support the building’s overall performance; to create carbon savings, airtight construction to reduce heat loss.

All of our UK made panel products (SterlingOSB Zero, CaberFloor and CaberMDF) are net carbon negative so we are well placed to help housebuilders to achieve lower carbon emissions on their builds. This is a real benefit of working with West Fraser where we lock in more carbon, for the lifetime of the product, than we emit making them. As well as that, our products will be able to aid builders in improved fabric and thermal efficiency resulting in potentially lower heating bills for the homeowner.