Over the last few decades, housebuilding design has drastically changed from every possible angle; from energy, technology and construction to industry standards and regulations. At the same time, the push towards carbon reduction and net zero, energy efficiency and biodiversity has gathered momentum by the year. 

Keeping up with all of these changes has been, and continues to be, an ongoing challenge for housebuilders. But it’s a challenge that does come with its rewards – adapting to the latest rules and regulations and embracing the latest technological advances can add real value to how homes are designed. Collectively, they also have the power to influence customers’ decisions, with some changes, particularly technological, evolving more rapidly than construction has.

But of all the changes, which updates have had the biggest impact on green housebuilding design so far?

Several key updates have significantly impacted green housebuilding design, with regulatory and technological advancements driving change across the industry. One of the most important regulatory developments was the introduction of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) in 1993, which made the energy performance of homes more transparent. For the first time, homeowners could see a dwelling’s predicted energy use through an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This rating system has been updated every few years, with the most recent revision in 2022, further refining energy efficiency expectations for new builds.

Another major shift came with the development of the Future Homes Standard, a government-led initiative aimed at ensuring all new homes are ‘zero carbon-ready’ by 2025. This means properties built from that date must produce 75 to 80% less carbon emissions than current levels, while homes constructed in the interim are required to achieve a 31% reduction. These evolving standards highlight the growing emphasis on sustainable building practices and energy-efficient technologies.

Building Regulations have also undergone substantial changes over the years, particularly in relation to insulation and energy conservation. In the 1980s, U-values for walls were set at 0.6 W/m²K, but they have steadily decreased over the decades, now standing at 0.26 W/m²K. Improved insulation has played a crucial role in achieving these reductions. In 2021 and 2022, the UK Government introduced further regulatory changes, including updates to Part L (conservation of fuel and power), Part O (overheating), Part S (electric vehicle charging infrastructure), and Part F (ventilation), all of which align with the broader goal of net-zero housing.

Beyond energy efficiency, biodiversity has become a fundamental aspect of green housebuilding. The Environment Act 2021 made Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) a mandatory requirement from February this year, requiring housebuilders to deliver at least a 10% increase in biodiversity value compared to the pre-development state of a site. This regulation, regarded as one of the most significant planning changes in decades, ensures that developments actively enhance rather than diminish the natural environment. Planning authorities must approve BNG plans before any construction work can begin.

Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in shaping modern housebuilding. The use of solar panels has surged in recent years, thanks to improvements in efficiency and reductions in installation costs. While a small solar array in the 1990s could cost upwards of £7,000, a comparable system today is available for around £2,000. 

The technology has become so advanced that, in some cases, solar power can sustain entire buildings, making it a key component in achieving energy-efficient homes.

Similarly, air source heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional heating systems. These pumps, which use electricity rather than fossil fuels, help reduce both carbon footprints and homeowners’ energy bills. While there is still some scepticism surrounding their widespread adoption, growing demand is expected to drive further innovation, leading to more manufacturers producing heat pumps and eventually making them a standard feature in new homes.

Another major technological shift has been the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Since the first modern electric car was introduced in 2008, EV technology has rapidly progressed, with improvements in battery life, performance, and affordability. To support this transition, Part S of the Building Regulations now requires all new-build homes with associated parking to include an EV charging point. Looking ahead, the Government’s planned ban on new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicle sales from 2035 will further cement the importance of EV infrastructure in housebuilding.

Together, these regulatory and technological advancements have reshaped the way homes are designed and built, ensuring they are more sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally conscious than ever before.

The Impact of Key Changes

The ripple effect of the changes has significantly shaped housebuilding design, as sectors, construction included, strive to become net zero. As a result, future housebuilding stipulations and company visions are fundamentally aimed at building properties that encompass:

• An increased green focus: There’s a greater push on providing more housing, but at a much lower impact to the environment (from both an immediate and ongoing perspective).
• All-encompassing energy-efficient thinking: Several years ago, energy efficient features, such as insulation, water-saving solutions, PV panels, etc. weren’t as much of a priority as they are now. We make sure all
  of our homes are designed to factor in as many relevant energy efficient solutions as possible. In turn, this means we are now continuing to develop and design house types sto work through different technical components.
• Futureproofed homes: With new technologies developing faster than ever before, housebuilders have to make sure their new properties are compliant and long-life for customers and their future requirements, e.g. EV charging points.
• Prioritising green spaces: The increased focus on biodiversity has fundamentally revolutionised the design of future developments. We are now prioritising green spaces first and foremost to make sure our sites comply and go above and beyond with the relevant regulations before turning our attention to the bricks and mortar element of our developments.

While the fundamentals of connecting spaces where people live remain the same, there’s no denying the fact green housebuilding design will continue to evolve for the benefit of both people and the planet. And what we do know, based on our experience and design insight, is that we need to create homes and communities that work on an environmental and customer-centric level now – and for the future.

Neil Walker is design manager at Russell Homes