2025 UK Building Regulations: Key Changes

In 2025, the UK implemented pivotal updates to building regulations, affecting fire safety, energy efficiency, and structural standards. These changes aim to enhance occupant safety, promote sustainability, and modernize construction practices. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for compliance and successful project execution.

Fire Safety Enhancements

The UK government has introduced several key legislative changes to bolster fire safety in buildings:

• Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: Effective from January 2023, these regulations mandate:

• Quarterly inspections of all fire doors in communal areas of multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 meters in height.

• Annual inspections of flat entrance doors leading to communal areas.

• Emphasis on proper maintenance, certification, and functionality of self-closing devices.

These measures aim to ensure that fire doors function correctly during emergencies, enhancing occupant safety.

• BS 9991:2024 – Residential Fire Safety Standard: The 2024 revision incorporates significant updates, including:

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• Expanded scope to include residential care homes.

• Changes to timber usage, removing restrictions on reaction-to-fire classifications for load-bearing timber elements.

• Revised guidance on sprinklers and single-stair buildings.

• Adoption of European fire door classifications for greater consistency.

• Enhanced recommendations for smoke control and evacuation lifts in tall buildings.

These updates ensure that BS 9991:2024 remains a robust and practical framework for modern residential fire safety.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

The UK has introduced several legislative changes to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in building practices:

• Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power: Updates to Part L of the Building Regulations focus on enhancing energy efficiency:

• Reduced U-value requirements for doors and windows to improve thermal performance.

• Emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and improving insulation in new buildings.

These changes impact the design and specification of doors and windows in both residential and commercial buildings.

• Future Homes Standard (FHS): The FHS is a set of new build home heating regulations that will apply to new homes in England. The regulations will require most new homes to be built with:

• Clean heating systems (no fossil fuel boilers)

• High energy efficiency in building fabric

• Solar PV

New homes will need to be built to the highest efficiency standards, aiming to cut carbon by 75-85% compared to 2013 levels.

(kensa.co.uk)

Structural Safety and Compliance

The UK has implemented several legislative changes to enhance structural safety and compliance in building practices:

• Approved Document B – Fire Safety Updates: The UK government has introduced amendments to Approved Document B to enhance fire safety:

• From 2 March 2025, new care homes will be required to install sprinklers, irrespective of height.

• From 30 September 2026, new residential buildings over 18 meters will need to include a second staircase.

• From 2 September 2029, references to BS 476 for fire resistance will be removed, with European standards becoming the sole specification route.

These changes aim to improve fire safety measures in new building projects.

• Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: Also known as Martyn’s Law, this statute requires venues hosting large events (over 200 participants) to make plans and train staff for their response to any potential terrorist attacks. The bill was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024 and received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Implications for BGS Clients

For BGS clients, these legislative changes necessitate proactive measures to ensure compliance and maintain high safety standards:

• Fire Safety Compliance: BGS provides comprehensive compliance support to help clients navigate evolving UK regulations in fire safety. Our services include:

• Conducting thorough inspections and maintenance of fire doors and shutters to ensure they meet the latest safety standards.

• Ensuring that automatic doors and gates are installed and maintained in accordance with current safety regulations.

• Offering guidance on meeting building regulations, including energy efficiency and accessibility requirements.

By partnering with BGS, clients can be confident that their equipment and facilities are compliant with current UK legislation and industry best practices.

Conclusion

The legislative changes introduced in 2025 represent a significant shift in the UK’s approach to building safety, energy efficiency, and structural integrity. For BGS clients, staying informed and compliant with these regulations is essential to ensure the safety, sustainability, and success of their projects.

References

• Future Homes Standard & Building Regulation Changes 2025. Kensa. (kensa.co.uk)

• Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. Wikipedia. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Approved Document B – Fire Safety Updates. BGS. (bgs.uk)