Project 80 - Eco Drive Handsworth: Future Homes Standard Case Study - Interim Report July 2023

The UK has set a legally binding target to bring all its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. In 2019, the government announced plans to develop a Future Homes Standard aimed to ensure that all new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions than homes built under 2013 regulations. Midland Heart, working with the Building Alliance, decided to make the Eco Drive development near Birmingham a demonstrator that would be designed and built to the anticipated 2025 regulations. The goal of the demonstrator was to show how the standard could be achieved cost effectively without unintended consequences. The scheme of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, used standard house layouts, and was adapted from the original 2013 Building Regulations design to meet the notional 2025 Future Homes Standard. Birmingham City University (BCU) was brought onboard to capture a case study of the development, to undertake detailed monitoring, and to engage with the occupants to record their experiences and lessons. A team of Midland Heart, designers, contractor, subcontractors, materials suppliers, specialists and BCU was set up to deliver the project in a collaborative and learning approach.