As the UK moves towards a more sustainable built environment, the Future Homes Standard will transform the design and construction of new homes. Rolling out this year, the standard aims to cut carbon emissions, improve efficiency, and promote the use of low-carbon technologies.
Natural light and ventilation are key to achieving these targets – a key benefit of rooflights and roof windows. By maximising daylight and insulation and improving ventilation, rooflights contribute to energy reduction and indoor comfort.
In this guide, we look at the part rooflights play in reducing the need for artificial lighting, adding thermal performance, and helping with compliance with future building regulations. Whether you’re an architect, developer, or occupier, an understanding of the benefits of quality roof glazing will become key to making homes proofed for a greener future.
The role of rooflights in sustainability
Allowing natural light for reduced energy consumption
Rooflights play an important role in reducing reliance on artificial lighting, which is a key factor in lowering household energy consumption. By allowing natural daylight to flood interior spaces, they help create a more comfortable living environment while cutting down on electricity use.
Studies show that increased daylight exposure also increases well-being, boosting productivity and mood. Modern rooflights are designed with solar control coatings that get the most light transmission while minimising overheating, ensuring homes remain bright and comfortable year-round.
Improving thermal performance with high-quality glazing
High-performance glazing in rooflights is essential for meeting the Future Homes Standard’s stringent insulation requirements. Advanced glazing technologies, such as double or triple glazing with low-emissivity coatings, help to retain heat in winter while reflecting solar gain in summer.
This prevents heat loss, lessens the need for excessive heating or cooling, and ultimately improves a home’s overall thermal efficiency. With U-values (a measure of thermal insulation), modern rooflights can help homes stay efficient, comfortable, and compliant with sustainability regulations.
Learn more ways to prevent heat loss in your home.
Ventilation and indoor air quality
Proper ventilation is a crucial aspect of sustainable home design, and rooflights can improve indoor air quality by promoting natural airflow. Opening rooflights or vented models allow for passive ventilation, which helps regulate temperature, reduce condensation, and prevent the build-up of pollutants indoors.
This is especially beneficial in high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where excess moisture can lead to dampness and mould growth. By incorporating rooflights into a home’s design, homeowners can benefit from better air circulation, reduced reliance on mechanical ventilation, and a healthier indoor environment.
Learn why roof ventilation is so important and discover 12 ways to improve ventilation in your home.
Rooflights for compliance
Fixed vs. opening rooflights: Which are better?
Fixed rooflights are ideal for allowing natural light to enter while maintaining high levels of thermal efficiency, as they have fewer air leakage points. They’re an excellent choice for well-insulated homes where ventilation is managed through mechanical systems. Opening rooflights, on the other hand, provide natural ventilation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and improve air quality.
This can reduce the need for air conditioning and mechanical ventilation, leading to greater efficiency. The best option depends on your home’s design, ventilation strategy, and energy goals, but both types can contribute to meeting sustainability targets.
Materials and glazing options for optimal performance
Selecting the right materials and glazing is crucial to making sure rooflights align with Future Homes Standard requirements. Double or triple glazing with low-emissivity coatings helps to retain heat while lessening solar gain, preventing overheating in warmer months.
Toughened or laminated glass improves safety, while thermally broken aluminium or uPVC frames increase insulation. Also, argon or krypton gas-filled glazing units provide more thermal efficiency. By choosing top glazing and sustainable materials, homeowners can seriously reduce heat loss and lower energy consumption, keeping homes comfortable.
View our triple-glazed self-cleaning rooflight.
The Importance of correct placement and Installation
Even the most advanced rooflights will underperform if they are not positioned and installed correctly. The orientation of the rooflight plays a major role in efficiency: south-facing rooflights allow for a lot of solar gain, which can help decrease heating costs in winter, while north-facing options provide consistent natural light without excessive heat gain.
Discover the best place to position your skylights to maximise performance.
Smart rooflights and automated systems
With smart home technology becoming increasingly popular, automated rooflights are an innovative way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Smart rooflights can be programmed to open and close based on temperature, humidity, or CO2 levels, reducing the reliance on mechanical ventilation and ensuring optimal indoor air quality.
Some systems integrate rain sensors to close automatically when bad weather is detected, while others sync with smart home ecosystems.
How rooflights contribute to low-carbon living
A well-placed rooflight can contribute to passive solar heating, reducing the need for artificial heating and lowering carbon footprints. Additionally, natural ventilation from opening rooflights enhances airflow, reducing the demand for energy-intensive cooling systems.
Contact Toughened Glass Systems today
As the Future Homes Standard sets new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability, integrating high-performance rooflights into your home is a simple yet effective way to stay ahead.
At Toughened Glass Systems, we offer a range of rooflights designed to meet and exceed modern standards. This includes:
Contact us today – a member of our team will be happy to help.