As the UK undergoes a systematic transformation in
energy-efficiency regulations for new homes, leading roof tile
manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles is calling on policymakers to
collaborate more closely with manufacturers and roofers in the
industry in conjunction with housebuilders and design teams.
The UK Government plans to ensure that all new homes
in England are ‘zero-carbon ready’ and can generate on-site
renewable energy, with the Future Homes Standard (FHS) set to
take effect on 24 March 2027 with a year-long transition
period. FHS has been in development since 2019 following
consultations, and the full regulations were published last
year confirming the implementation date.
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| FHS aims to cut
carbon emissions by 75 per cent by 2028 compared to the 2013
building regulations, and all future house building and
planning applications must meet the new requirements. |
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Mark Parsons, Technical Director at Russell Roof Tiles, said:
“We are missing important industry alignment around the
implementation of the Future Homes Standard. The building
regulations seem to have been pushed through by policymakers
without considering the opinions of roof tile manufacturers
and roofers in the construction industry that will be
implementing the changes.” |
| A leading expert in
the industry for more than 30 years, Mark has been heavily
involved with several national trade bodies and associations
during his career. This more recently includes the Building
Alliance and NHBC (National House Building Council), which
aims to improve the quality of new homes. |
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Mark added: “The ramifications of the Future Homes Standard
are enormous. There are concerns as to whether there has been
enough combined testing of roof build up construction with the
underlay and BIPV when it comes to roof design performance,
safety and ventilation. |
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“It appears there has not been sufficient consideration given
to how the various components work specifically as a roofing
system in the UK climate to avoid issues such as roof leaks,
overheating and condensation over time. This is all without
mentioning the confusion around who is responsible if
something goes wrong and when or how maintenance or
replacement work is to be carried out.” |
| FHS mandates
low-carbon heating (heat pumps) will replace traditional gas
boilers, solar panels must cover the equivalent to 40 per cent
of the ground floor area, and improved insulation and
ventilation are required. |
| Russell Roof Tiles
remains committed to achieving its Net Zero target by 2040, a
decade earlier than the national target, thanks to its own
manufacturing facilities and latest product range. Since late
2024, its £18.5m plant in Burton on Trent has generated over
115,000kWh of clean electricity for the factory, saving
approximately 115 tonnes of CO2 emissions, offsetting energy
costs. |
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Russell Roof Tiles is a leading independent concrete roof tile
manufacturer supplying products for national housebuilders and
high-profile social housing and commercial projects. The
company produces hundreds of thousands of tiles and related
fittings and accessories every week that are used on pitched
roofs across the UK. |
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