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REFEA is a joint initiative by JMS Engineers and GC Robertson, promoting sustainability through smarter reuse and practical design in structural and civil engineering across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and the wider East Anglia region.

The Future Homes Standard 2025: What It Means for Engineers and Developers in the East of England

  • Writer: Holly Peirson- Structural Engineer (Sustainability)
    Holly Peirson- Structural Engineer (Sustainability)
  • Oct 9
  • 2 min read
house construction uk

On Monday, representatives from the Reuse Engineering Forum East Anglia (REFEA) - Mark Weston from JMS Engineers and Holly Peirson from GC Robertson – attended the East of England Sustainable Building Networking (EESBN) event in Norwich. The event brought together professionals from across the construction and engineering sectors to explore how the region is preparing for a more sustainable future.


Preparing for the Future Homes Standard

The headline presentation, delivered by Christopher Gaze of the Future Homes Hub, explored how the construction industry is transitioning towards the Future Homes Standard (FHS) 2025.

The session focused on the industry’s commitment to achieving zero-carbon-ready homes through improvements in energy efficiency, embodied carbon reduction, and sustainable placemaking. Gaze outlined how the sector must adapt to deliver homes that are not only compliant but resilient, nature-positive, and designed with long-term environmental performance in mind.


Key points from the presentation included:

  • A 75–80% reduction in carbon emissions expected under the Future Homes Standard 2025.

  • New requirements for measuring embodied carbon and improving ventilation and overheating performance under Parts L and F of the Building Regulations.

  • The forthcoming Home Energy Model (HEM) to ensure more accurate energy assessments.

  • The gradual phase-out of diesel-powered construction in favour of electric, low-impact alternatives.

  • Greater emphasis on biodiversity net gain, water efficiency, and sustainable site design.


A Shared Commitment to Change

Throughout the event, collaboration was a recurring theme – a value central to REFEA’s mission. The discussions reinforced the need for cross-disciplinary cooperation between engineers, developers, and local authorities to meet the challenges posed by the Future Homes Standard.


For Mark Weston and Holly Peirson, the event highlighted how regional initiatives and shared knowledge can help the East of England lead the way in sustainable, low-carbon construction.

As Holly reflected, “The shift towards zero-carbon ready design isn’t just about compliance - it’s about redefining how we think about the built environment.”


Driving Sustainability Through Engineering

REFEA continues to support collaboration between civil and structural engineers, helping translate sustainability targets into practical, design-led solutions. With new regulations approaching, forums like REFEA are vital in bridging the gap between policy and on-site delivery.


By engaging with events such as the EESBN, REFEA and its members reaffirm their commitment to advancing sustainable engineering practice across East Anglia, ensuring the region remains at the forefront of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.

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Path to a Low-Carbon Built Environment

The built environment contributes nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, much of it through construction and materials. In East Anglia, reducing embodied carbon is critical to meeting sustainability goals. By reusing structures, designing efficiently, and integrating low-impact civil solutions, we can reshape how the region builds - and lead the way towards a net zero future.

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