Few parts of the construction industry have been left untouched by the regulations which have come into force over the past few years. No sector has dealt with more than housing, which has faced an onslaught of new rules since the government’s commitment to the 2050 net zero target was announced in 2019. New building safety regulations introduced since the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, including requirements for second staircases in tall buildings, have added to the burden for developers. 

Rising build costs have been exacerbated by construction product price inflation and labour shortages, while viability has been hit by a collapse in the housing market since Liz Truss’ 2022 mini-Budget. Chronic planning delays caused by under-resourced councils have added to the woes of the industry, all of this at a time when successive governments have pressed the urgent need to address the country’s housing crisis.

During such a tumultuous period, maybe it should be expected that housebuilders have not all rushed to adopt the new rules as quickly as possible. And, according to new data from energy assessment firm Elmhurst Energy, this very much appears to be the case. The Leicestershire-based firm, which produces Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), has found that a majority of new homes are still being completed to 2013 housing standards almost three years after the introduction of new rules on carbon reduction.

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