The Future Homes Standard (FHS) represents a significant legislative effort to reduce carbon emissions by 75-80% from new residential buildings built from 2025. A crucial component of the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the legislation introduces stringent environmental requirements that will have a big impact on future product specification for housebuilders.
With key legislative components including enhanced energy efficiency requirements for materials and insulation, the introduction of low-carbon heating systems and the integration of renewable energy, UK housebuilders will now more than ever, need products that meet these standards without costing the earth or compromising on performance. Poised to transform residential construction in England, housebuilders must adapt to this evolving landscape and brands must adapt their strategies to match.
Leading the way in sustainable innovation, Quooker is well poised to meet these demands in several ways.
Impressive energy efficiency
Thanks to its state-of-the-art, patented high-vacuum insulated tank technology that prevents heat from escaping, all Quooker taps use minimal energy to keep the water in the tank at a high temperature. Unlike an energy-guzzling kettle that uses 2,200 watts to boil 1.7 litres of water, a Quooker only uses 10 watts per day to keep water ready to use. Stored as steam, water only starts to boil when the tap is turned on and the temperature of the outflowing water drops to 100°C. While the water is coming out of the tap, the tank immediately replaces the exact amount extracted ready for the next use. By heating water only when needed, and in precise amounts, boiling water taps minimise unnecessary energy usage for water that is not even used.
Since the FHS encourages electrical over gas-based systems, Quooker taps can also seamlessly integrate with renewable energy sources such as solar panels, further reducing the home’s carbon footprint.
Reduced water waste
The FHS also prioritises efficient water use in new builds, which traditional systems and appliances are no longer fit for.
Unlike traditional taps which may run unnecessarily to reach the desired temperature, Quooker delivers instant hot, cold or filtered water, preventing this excessive waste.
Constantly striving for innovation that brings positive change, Quooker recently launched its new COMBI+, the world’s first A-rated kitchen boiler, saving homeowners up to 5,000 litres of water annually.
Maximising every drop of water, COMBI+ provides up to 7L of instant boiling water or limitless hot water at 60°C from a hot and cold feed. Ideal for eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills, the COMBI+ is one of the most energy-efficient ways of supplying hot water to the kitchen.
Or look to the Quooker CUBE – an accessory that can dispense chilled and sparkling water immediately to any existing Quooker model. The average UK household uses 360 single-use plastic bottles per year. Given there are over 28.2 million households in the country, that is a substantial amount of plastic being thrown away after one use. Yet with Quooker’s CUBE solution, one canister of CO2 yields 60 litres of sparkling water before needing to be replaced. Boasting a state-of-the-art touch screen digital display panel that shows how much sparkling water is left, users are alerted when cartridges and filters need replacing. It also boasts two effervescent levels, is very simple to install and takes up minimal under-sink space.
Longer product life cycles
Housebuilders will also need to specify products with longer lifespans, made from more sustainable or recyclable materials. Built to last for decades when properly maintained, all Quooker taps are built with high-quality stainless-steel tanks and durable components, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Part of a more circular economy, Quooker’s carbon filters, Scale Control and CO2 cannisters are all recyclable and can be re-used, with homeowners being able to return these items free-of-charge to Quooker to process responsibly.
Smart technology for smarter homes
The FHS also encourages homes to be ‘future-ready’ with smart technologies that improve efficiency and sustainability. For many, this isn’t a new request as consumers have been increasingly looking for appliances that seamlessly integrate into smart home ecosystems, optimise space, and reduce environmental impact, all while enhancing everyday life.
As smart home technology advances, kitchen appliances will play a pivotal role in the digital home ecosystem. Features such as automated energy tracking, remote operation, and seamless integration with other smart devices are set to become standard. This integration supports the wider vision of the FHS where smart systems are employed to reduce household energy usage and manage resources efficiently. For housebuilders, keeping pace with these advancements will be essential in meeting both evolving consumer expectations and increasingly stringent regulatory standards.
As the FHS will redefine the way new homes are designed, built and operated, boiling water taps will be an essential part of this transformation. With their energy-efficient performance, smart functionality and water-saving capabilities, they align perfectly with the standard’s goals for improving home sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
At Quooker, we are committed to supporting the FHS by providing market-leading innovations and designs that not only meet today’s energy needs, but also help create a greener, smarter and more sustainable future. As we look ahead, we’re excited to be working with housebuilders to continue contributing to the homes of tomorrow with innovative, eco-friendly products designed to make everyday living more efficient and sustainable.
To view the full Quooker range or find out more about the company, visit www.quooker.co.uk