Deceuninck has launched a new CPD aimed at helping architects and specifiers understand the practical implications of the Future Homes Standard on window and door specification.
While the headline U-value requirement for new build windows remains at 1.2W/m²K, the method used to assess compliance has changed. Performance is now evaluated based on the exact size and configuration of each individual window, rather than a standard reference model.
This shift introduces additional complexity, particularly for smaller windows and more intricate designs, where factors such as frame proportion, glazing area and components including mullions, transoms, cills and vents can significantly influence thermal performance.
Peter Dyer, Head of Commercial at Deceuninck, said: “A lot of people will assume that because the U-value target hasn’t changed, nothing much has changed. That’s not the case.
“What’s changed is the calculation. Moving away from a standard reference window means architects and specifiers need to think more carefully about how products perform in real-world applications.”
He added that under the revised approach, window and door systems must work more effectively within the overall energy model of a building. Specifications that previously met requirements may now require further consideration when assessed on actual configuration.
The CPD, titled Future Homes Standard: Designing Net Zero Ready Homes, has been developed to explain the revised methodology and support informed decision-making at the design stage. It also highlights the role of early engagement in managing compliance, cost and overall building performance.
Dyer concluded: “This is about giving specifiers clarity. The Future Homes Standard introduces a different way of thinking about compliance, and our CPD is designed to help the market understand what that means in practice.”
