SOPREMA has launched a new whitepaper to help specifiers, developers and contractors understand the implications of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards and prepare for changes to Building Regulations in England.
The guide addresses the evolving requirements for energy efficiency, insulation and building performance as the construction industry works towards the UK’s legally binding net-zero targets.
According to SOPREMA, buildings and product use account for approximately 22% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through space heating and hot water generation. With new regulations due to take effect from March 2027, the manufacturer says early planning will be essential to avoid costly future retrofits and ensure compliance.
The whitepaper provides guidance on updates to Parts L and F of the Building Regulations, regulatory transition timelines and performance targets.
Key topics include the transition from the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) to the Home Energy Model (HEM), airtightness requirements, on-site renewable energy generation and strategies for reducing heat loss through improved building fabric performance.
It also examines how insulation specification and optimised U-values can help meet increasingly demanding energy efficiency targets.
Mike Vaczi, Technical Director at SOPREMA UK, said: “Achieving zero-carbon in use performance isn’t an optional extra; it’s a fundamental requirement for the future of the built environment.”
He added: “This new whitepaper highlights the balanced approach needed for specification for the Future Homes and Buildings Standards to deliver high thermal and airtightness performance without compromising structural space or indoor air quality.”
The guide also references SOPREMA’s insulation solutions, including SOPRATHERM PIR, PAVATEX wood fibre and SOPRAXPS, outlining how different materials can contribute to achieving thermal performance requirements.
SOPREMA says the whitepaper is intended to support informed specification decisions from the earliest project stages, helping construction professionals balance regulatory compliance, energy efficiency and practical design considerations.
The whitepaper is available to download here.