Phasing inEnergy & Carbon
FHS: Future Homes and Buildings Standards
The 2026 energy and ventilation standards
The government's 2026 standards for new homes and non-domestic buildings, delivered through the 2026 editions of Approved Documents L and F and new calculation methodologies.
Also known as: Future Homes Standard, Future Buildings Standard, FHBS, FHS
Key requirements
- Published on 24 March 2026; the regulations come into force on 24 March 2027 for non-HRB work.
- Higher-risk building work follows on 24 September 2027.
- Designed so new buildings need no retrofit to become zero-carbon in use as the grid decarbonises.
- Heat pumps, high fabric efficiency and on-site renewable electricity are central.
- Non-domestic standards are included alongside the homes standard.
Performance at a glance
- Published
- 24 March 2026
- In force
- 24 March 2027 (non-HRB)
- HRB
- 24 September 2027
Applies to
New homes and non-domestic buildings in England.
Related records
Reviewed 25 October 2026. This summary is an editorial reference, not legal advice. Check the current official text and confirm the approach with building control before relying on it. Browse all 35 records.