The UK joinery sector is experiencing a shift in expectations and responsibilities, driven by a series of government announcements and evolving industry standards. From energy efficiency targets to fire safety reform and the move toward more sustainable construction in efforts to meet net zero targets, developments are reshaping the joinery industry.
In particular, four updates stand out as significant to the sector: the Future Homes Standard, the Timber in Construction Roadmap, the government’s response to the Grenfell Inquiry and changes to fire door testing standards. Each highlights the increasing complexity facing joinery manufacture businesses, while also presenting clear opportunities for innovation, quality assurance, and long-term growth.
RAISING THE BAR ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Scheduled for implementation in 2025, the Future Homes Standard will apply to new dwellings and aims to improve the energy efficiency of buildings as the UK moves toward net zero. While the final details are pending, updates released in February 2025 confirm that the standard will mandate low-carbon heating and higher insulation performance.
For joinery manufacturers, the most immediate impact comes in the form of U-value calculations. Under the draft Approved Document L, manufacturers will no longer be able to rely on model windows or doors to determine thermal performance. Instead, U-values will need to be calculated for the specific size and configuration of every product supplied.
This requirement introduces a new administrative and technical challenge, particularly for smaller manufacturers who may lack in-house expertise or software. It also raises questions about certification processes, consistency, and how these values will be validated at scale.
In response, as part of our ongoing public affairs activity, we have raised concerns with the government regarding the difficulty most members will face with having to undertake U-value calculations for every individual window or doorset they supply. This is a key focus for the BWF, and we’ll be offering support to our members as the final detail of the standard is confirmed.
GOVERNMENT BACKS LOW‑CARBON FUTURE
In a celebrated move for the timber industry, the UK government has recommitted to the Timber in Construction Roadmap – a strategic plan to boost the safe use of sustainable home-grown, low-carbon timber in housebuilding and infrastructure.
The roadmap signals a shift in national policy, positioning timber as central to hitting net zero targets, improving biodiversity, and supporting rural economies.
As an integral member of the Timber in Construction Working Group, we’re proud to play a part in championing the use of timber throughout the construction supply chain by continuing our ‘Build It Better with Wood’ campaign and working alongside industry stakeholders such as the CITB to ensure that future generations have the skills and knowledge they need to help our profession thrive.
A REGULATORY TURNING POINT
The publication of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 in March 2025 represents a landmark moment for the built environment. It includes the acceptance of 49 recommendations in full, and nine in principle, with far-reaching consequences for construction product regulation, fire safety, and building design.
Among the most significant changes is the move toward a single regulator for construction products and the strengthening of enforcement powers. There is also a clear push toward greater product traceability, improved testing protocols, and tighter oversight of those placing products on the market.
We welcome the proposal that states all products are to feature clear, accessible and accurate product identification, which is a mandate of the BWF Fire Door Alliance. Fire doors manufactured by BWF Fire Door Alliance members are clearly labelled or plugged, providing the critical information to a wide range of users, from construction professionals to everyday consumers.
These developments are a positive move to ensure that performance claims are backed by robust, independent evidence. For our members, who are at the forefront of fire door third-party certification, it’s a clear demonstration of the importance of independently verified testing data and rigorous certification programmes.
Closely linked to the government’s fire safety reforms is the planned transition from the British Standard (BS 476-22) to the European classification (EN 13501-2) for fire door testing, set to take full effect by September 2029. This change to a single classification system aligns with the recommendations of the Hackitt Report, which called for greater consistency in building safety regulations.
This however has resulted in questions from those responsible for fire doors throughout the supply chain. To help support BWF members and the broader industry through this transition, the BWF Fire Door Alliance is focused on a proactive education campaign to advise that:
- Fire doors classified under the national system will meet the requirements of the building regulations for new installations up to September 2029.
- Fire doors already installed in buildings on that date will remain fit-for-purpose subject to a programme of inspection and maintenance.
As a sector we’re aware of the outstanding performance of timber fire doors based on Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) testing – the results found that timber fire doors performed consistently, passing the 30-minute fire resistance test in both directions. In fact, BWF members whose products were included in the investigation, exceeded the required 30-minute threshold, with fire resistance times averaging 46 minutes.
However, it’s vital that we and our partners across the industry work together to help our sector and importantly, our customers, prepare for the upcoming change – and key to this is stressing that at this stage, there is no need to replace fit-for-purpose fire doors.
As we head toward the middle of 2025, it is clear that change is not coming, it’s already here.
But alongside changes to industry standards and guidance comes opportunities to demonstrate quality, embrace sustainable growth, and contribute to a safer, lower carbon-built environment.
At the BWF we look forward to embracing these changes and supporting our members to ensure the continued growth of our exciting sector.
