Housing Industry leaders gather at STEAMhouse to hear results of research into Future Homes Standard

Birmingham City University Centre for Future Homes’ team has completed four-year research in partnership with Midland Heart, which is already informing policymakers and practice in how to deliver climate change measures at scale and avoid unintended consequences.

Industry leaders and policymakers heard a summary of the research before taking part in a STEAM challenge to draw out the key findings and highlight the gaps that need to be addressed in preparation of the Future Homes Standard rollout.

‘Project 80’ is a landmark housing initiative in the UK designed to test and analyse how compliance with the Future Homes Standard may be achieved using traditional housing. This innovative pilot project demonstrates how homes can be built today to meet tomorrow’s regulations as well as understanding the lived-in experience of residents.

By building homes achieving an 80% reduction in carbon emissions, compared to current regulations, Project 80, will give policymakers confidence that intended targets as part of the Future Home Standards targets can, with judicious design and collaborative working by all participants, be achieved. 

The project showed how a fabric-first approach with good airtightness and high performing insulation, works with masonry to create resilient homes built to las 150 years.

The team oversaw the design, build, commissioning, handover, and occupation phases of the project.

Data was continuously collected by sensors and interviews were conducted with housing association residents. This enabled the research team to understand how occupants live and interact in their all-electric new homes incorporating heat pumps.

Commenting Mike Leonard, Visiting Professor explained, “Our team are very grateful for the support of Midland Heart, the supply chain and other partners who have made this groundbreaking research possible. 

It is a fantastic example of how to deliver success through extensive collaboration and by putting the home occupiers at the centre of the journey.”

Additionally, delegates were briefed on interim results elicited from the Keepmoat Gedling Green project, consisting of 33 homes, built to the Future Homes Standard, for owner occupiers and private rental.

Links to the Project 80 Final report and the Keepmoat interim report can be found at www.centreforfuturehomes.org