Epwin Window Systems publishes guide to Future Homes Consultation

Published: 4th January 2024

Epwin Window Systems has published a guide to the Future Homes Consultation document to help customers navigate the detail of the proposal. Phil Parry, Technical Director at Epwin Window Systems, commented: “Our guide explains the proposal and the relevant factors of the report so our customers can fully understand the detail and implications.”

The eagerly awaited release of the consultation on the Future Homes Standard has delivered some unexpected developments for the industry including the decision to retain the current notional values, keeping them at 1.2 W/(m²K) for windows and 1.0 W/(m²K) for doors. Phil said: “Whilst the proposal to retain the current thermal efficiency requirements has attracted the headlines, now is not the time to be complacent. These proposals are in the consultation period and everyone in the industry needs to continue to make their voices heard. It’s also important to remember that this is only the consultation document so there could still be changes made depending on feedback.”

Phil continued: “One important change that the consultation proposes is to remove the standard window configuration from new building dwellings. This means that each window’s U value will have to be calculated on their actual size. In other words, even the smallest toilet window will have to comply with the requirements, which is significant.”

The new guide is available to download from the company’s Connect digital portal. The award-winning platform also has a live forum where customers can submit their own questions to Epwin Window Systems’ technical experts.

Phil said: “Given the intricacy of the consultation it is our responsibility to guide our customers through the complexities. This new guide, coupled with the online support via Connect, will deliver the clarity needed for our customers and give them the information they require to respond to the consultation document.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is responsible for the Future Homes Standard consultation, gathered information from the industry about the future direction of Document L for this consultation. This included the Glass and Glazing Federation Document L Working Group, of which Epwin Window Systems is a part.

Phil said: “The consultation period is open now and ends at 11:59pm on 6 March 2024. Responses can be submitted via https://consult.levellingup.gov.uk/energy-performance-of-buildings/fhbs-2023-consultation/ We would strongly encourage everyone in the industry to continue to make their voices heard.“

In putting together its guide to the consultation, Epwin Window Systems is continuing to take the lead in this vital debate and is supporting its customers in getting to grips with the implications of the proposal.