Social housing net zero standard: consultation

Annex B: Summary of proposals for domestic buildings, other than social housing

The consultation on Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill seeks views on a new statutory Heat in Buildings Standard which for privately owned homes would require:

• All privately rented homes to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2028;
• All other privately owned homes to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard by the end of 2033.
• The use of polluting heating systems to be prohibited by the end of 2045.

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard

The consultation proposes that owners could meet the energy efficiency standard through installing a straightforward specified list of measures (like loft, wall or suspended floor insulation) that reduce the energy needed to heat the home. Any home that has installed these measures – or as many as are feasible for that property – would be considered to have reached a good level of energy efficiency and meet the standard.

As some people may have already undertaken work to improve the way their property uses energy or wish to make their own decisions on which measures are best for their home, the consultation also proposes an alternative option of meeting the standard based on the result of an EPC assessment. The addition of a new fabric metric to EPCs, which was recently consulted on, could be used to show that a property meets a good level of energy efficiency.

Any owner-occupied homes that had installed a clean heating system before the end of 2033 would not be required to meet the minimum energy efficiency standard as it would no longer be producing any emissions from its heating.

Prohibition on Polluting Heating

The consultation proposes that all privately owned properties would be prohibited from using polluting heating systems by 2045.

To drive uptake of clean heating before this date we are also proposing that those purchasing a property would be required to comply with the prohibition on polluting heating within a specified amount of time following completion of the sale. The consultation also proposes requiring buildings within a Heat Network Zone to end their use of polluting heating systems by a certain date, and with a minimum notice period.

Ensuring Fairness in the Standard

To ensure the standard is fair, proportionate and achievable for all households, the consultation also makes proposals and seeks views on exempting those who can’t, or should not have to, meet the Heat in Buildings Standard. The proposals will also

provide extra time for those who need it to meet the Standard, or require that people comply with a modified version of the Standard which takes into account their building’s characteristics or unique circumstances.