Weekly Policy Update |
up to Friday 10th October 2025
Information provided by National Constructing Excellence
The Week in Policy
Government identifies research priorities for net zero in buildings
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published its areas of research interest to support the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower mission. The document identifies research and development challenges to deliver 95% low-carbon electricity by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Heat and buildings is one of the research areas identified, with priorities including developing cost-effective heat pumps and geothermal systems, advancing retrofit solutions like insulation and solar PV, enhancing building performance data through digital tools, designing climate-resilient and health-promoting buildings, and improving emissions accounting through life cycle analysis. Other research areas include flexible energy systems, long-duration storage, offshore wind, carbon removal technologies, low-carbon fuels and public engagement through behavioural science. This is one of several strategic documents the government has recently issued that will inform research and innovation to address climate change, including in buildings. The Government Office for Science published an assessment of research and innovation needs relating to climate adaptation and a ‘Net Zero Technology Outlook’ in August.
Government response to the Home Energy Model Consultation
The government has published its response to the Home Energy Model (HEM) consultation, laying out plans to replace the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) with a more accurate, flexible, and open-source methodology. HEM – first developed by BRE – will underpin the government’s housing and climate policies and regulations, with its first version launching alongside the Future Homes Standard changes to building regulations, expected in the next few months. Stakeholder feedback highlighted the need for improved clarity, collaboration, and integration of new technologies. The model will be delivered via a centralised cloud-based platform, with ongoing validation, technical updates, and stakeholder engagement to ensure its effectiveness and adaptability.
Environment Agency responds to the New Towns Taskforce report
The Environment Agency has welcomed the New Towns Taskforce report with its plans for 12 new towns in England, and the government’s response, which also welcomed the proposals. The Environment Agency highlights its commitment to shaping low-carbon, climate-resilient communities. It will provide technical expertise and environmental evidence to support site selection and planning for the future new towns. Please contact me if you’d like a detailed briefing on the New Towns initiative and what it means for BRE.
Housing Bill passed in Scotland to improve standards in rented homes
Members of Scottish Parliament have passed the Housing (Scotland) Bill which introduces major reforms aimed at preventing homelessness and improving tenant protections. Key measures include new duties for public bodies to intervene early to prevent homelessness, powers to implement Awaab’s Law to tackle health hazards like damp and mould, and long-term rent controls in the private sector. According to Inside Housing, the legislation has received mixed reactions, with calls for more affordable housing to support its ambitions.
New DESNZ reports on the airtightness of homes
Last week the Department for Energy and Net Zero published four reports, produced by Loughborough University as part of the project ‘Gathering evidence to improve airtightness in the UK housing stock.’ As a whole, existing homes are found to be “more airtight than previous studies suggest” (a median of 8.1 m³/h.m² @ 50 Pa). Though the study notes large variation within different types of homes, newer homes – those built since 1990 – were found to be among the least airtight in the stock, alongside semi-detached homes and those with solid walls. The set of reports also covers “an update to the method used to estimate infiltration rates in SAP” and includes a critique of the air infiltration estimation method in the new Home Energy Model.
Government pledges to reform home buying process
The government has launched a new consultation to reform the home buying system. Changes under consideration would be to require property sellers and estate agents to provide more information when a home is listed for sale, reducing the need for buyers to carry out searches and surveys.
CLC launch Construct Zero consultation to align with 7th Carbon Budget
The Construction Leadership Council has launched a consultation on its Construct Zero Performance Framework, a suite of metrics enabling the CLC to report publicly on the sector’s progress to net zero.With the publication of the 7th Carbon Budget by the Climate Change Committee (the latest five-year plan for the UK’s progress towards net zero), the CLC is looking to update its nine priorities, metrics and targets to align. The consultation closes on 17 November.
In the news
Stop blaming firms for construction’s broken system | Construction Enquirer News
Civils workload growth drops to four-year low | Construction News
Ministers to announce significant changes to UK’s planning system | Planning policy | The Guardian