Future homes standard
Building today for the homes of tomorrow
The Future Homes Standard (FHS) represents one of the most significant shifts in UK housing policy in a generation.
Designed to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, the FHS sets new expectations for how homes are designed, built, and perform.
Our timber frame systems already meet, and in many cases exceed, the performance levels required by the Future Homes Standard.
At Donaldson Timber Systems, we’re ready and so are our products.
What is the Future Homes Standard?
Introduced by the UK Government as part of its Net Zero 2050 strategy, the
Future Homes Standard will apply to all new homes built from 2025.
Its aim is clear: to ensure every new home produces 75–80% fewer carbon emissions than those built to 2013 Building Regulations.
Key goals of the FHS include:
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Reducing carbon emissions through improved fabric efficiency.
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Minimising energy demand and enabling low-carbon heating systems.
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Eliminating fossil fuel heating such as gas boilers.
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Improving airtightness and insulation for long-term performance.
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Reducing embodied carbon in materials and construction.
The focus is on fabric-first solutions ensuring the building envelope performs efficiently before relying on technology or renewables.
What changes will housebuilders need to make?
The Future Homes Standard will reshape how homes are built, requiring housebuilders to:
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Adopt fabric-first design prioritising thermal efficiency and airtightness at design stage.
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Reduce operational and embodied carbon through smarter material choices.
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Introduce heat pumps or low-carbon heating systems in place of gas boilers.
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Provide SAP 10-compliant energy modelling and reporting for compliance.
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Use modern methods of construction (MMC) to meet tighter build quality and performance tolerances.
These changes demand accuracy, consistency, and proven performance, something offsite timber frame construction is uniquely equipped to deliver.
How Donaldson Timber Systems delivers compliance and confidence
Offsite efficiency
High Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV) reduces waste and improves consistency.
Just-in-time delivery shortens programmes and supports quality control.
Consistent build quality means predictable, repeatable energy performance across developments.
Fabric-first excellence
Our Sigma® II closed-panel system delivers outstanding airtightness and thermal performance, with U-values as low as 0.12 W/m²K.
Factory-fitted insulation and vapour control layers eliminate on-site variability.
Precision manufacturing ensures compliance with SAP 10 and building regulations.
Verified assurance
Fully certified by NHBC Accepts, BBA, and BOPAS.
Accredited to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 for quality, environment, and safety.
Proven through real-world projects across affordable housing and private developments.
A future-ready partner for sustainable housebuilding
Timber frame is the only mainstream building method that stores carbon rather than emitting it. Every one of our timber frame buildings and homes locks away CO₂ for the life of the building , a key step toward Net Zero 2050.
By combining sustainable materials, efficient manufacturing, and industry-leading technical expertise, we help customers to:
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Meet the Future Homes Standard with confidence.
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Reduce carbon impact from design to delivery.
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Futureproof developments for new regulation and ESG reporting.
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Build faster, greener, and better.
The Future Homes Standard isn’t just a regulation. It’s a roadmap to a smarter, low-carbon future.
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