The Future Buildings Standard
The independent, practitioner-led guide to non-domestic building compliance in England
Comprehensive guidance on the Future Buildings Standard, SBEM, BRUKL calculations, and Part L Volume 2. Written by a qualified SBEM assessor with nearly two decades of experience.
March 2027
Enforcement begins
40%
PV coverage (foundation area)
105 lm/W
Lighting efficacy target
0.18
Wall U-value (W/m²K)
Explore the Guide
What is the FBS?
Overview of the Future Buildings Standard – what's changing, who it affects, and when it takes effect.
Part L Volume 2
Notional building specification, solar PV requirements, and fabric targets under the 2026 edition.
SBEM
The Simplified Building Energy Model – the calculation methodology for non-domestic compliance.
BRUKL
Understanding BRUKL reports – the formal compliance document for non-domestic buildings.
Building Types
Special provisions for higher-risk buildings, including later enforcement dates and PV exemptions.
Tools
Interactive Compliance Route Finder – check whether the FBS or Part L 2021 applies to your project.
Latest Content
FBS Timeline
Key dates from 2019 consultation to 2028 transition end.
FBS vs FHS
Side-by-side comparison of the non-domestic and domestic standards.
Transition Arrangements
Who is affected and how the 12-month transition works.
Solar PV Requirements
The weighted PV formula, heat pump reduction, exemptions, and practical implications.
The FBS Briefing
Regulation changes. Compliance deadlines. Industry analysis. Updates that matter for construction professionals, before they hit the mainstream press.
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From Guy Smith, DEA, SAP & SBEM Assessor since 2007.