Warehouse refurbishment projects in 2026 require more than just a functional design. As the Future Buildings Standard comes into effect, commercial property owners and landlords need to ensure compliance with new environmental and energy efficiency benchmarks.
Key Takeaway:
If you’re planning a warehouse refurbishment in 2026, aligning with the Future Buildings Standard is critical for legal compliance, long-term efficiency and tenant appeal.
What Is the Future Buildings Standard?
The Future Buildings Standard is part of the UK government’s plan to improve the energy performance of non-domestic buildings. It builds on the Future Homes Standard, but applies to commercial and industrial properties like warehouses, production units and office blocks.
The standard introduces tighter rules on:
- Energy efficiency
- Carbon emissions
- Thermal insulation
- Ventilation and overheating mitigation
Why it matters
In 2026, all new and significantly refurbished buildings must meet “zero-carbon-ready” levels, with a move away from fossil fuel heating systems and towards low-carbon alternatives like heat pumps.
How the Future Buildings Standard Affects Warehouse Refurbishment
Commercial refurbishments need to do more than repaint walls or lay new floors. Upgrading a warehouse now means future-proofing the space to meet minimum energy performance standards and new building regulations.
Fabric-first matters
The guidance prioritises the building fabric (walls, roof, floor) to reduce heat loss, particularly through:
- Higher-performing insulation
- Upgraded roofing systems
- Efficient doors and fenestration
- Sealing gaps and addressing thermal bridging
Key Impacts on Warehouse Design
| Feature | Future Standard Requirement | Our Upgrade Solution |
| Wall & roof insulation | Must achieve reduced U-values | We install high-performance insulated panels |
| Heating systems | No new gas boilers from 2026 | Heat pump-compatible solutions |
| Air tightness | Enhanced leakage testing | Refurb plans factor in air sealing methods |
| Lighting | Must be energy-efficient | LED upgrades and smart control integration |
Why Commercial Warehouses Must Comply
Whether you’re a developer, landlord or tenant, non-compliance carries real risk:
- Failure to lease: Properties without energy-efficient upgrades could fall below EPC Band B (required for letting by 2030).
- Reduced asset value: Tenants now expect buildings with lower operating costs.
- Higher operating costs: Inefficient systems mean wasted energy and higher bills.
- Limited future viability: If your warehouse isn’t “carbon ready,” you may need further costly upgrades down the line.
Tip: Refurbishing today with compliance in mind can avoid further work and cost later.
Futureproofing with Octego: How We Work
Refurbishing a warehouse isn’t just about replacing what’s outdated. It’s about transforming the space into a future-ready asset, and we’re experts at making that happen.
Our End-to-End Process
We help you meet the Future Buildings Standard through:
- Site assessment and energy review
- Design planning aligned to fabric and energy targets
- Specification of compliant materials and systems
- Installation by experienced contractors
- Support with documentation for building control or lease negotiations
We work closely with facilities managers, architects and developers to deliver high-performance, low-carbon spaces on time and to budget.
Additional Services for Total Compliance
- Roofing and insulation upgrades
- High-performance flooring and drainage
- Partitioning and office retrofits
- Lighting and M&E system installations
- Cold room and hygienic cladding services
All tailored to your building type, usage and tenant needs.
What Types of Warehouses Need to Comply?
While the standard targets new builds and major refurbishments, here’s when it’s most relevant:
- You’re upgrading a building to attract new tenants
- You’re expanding or changing internal layout
- You’re preparing for a change of use (e.g. storage to production)
- Your current systems are outdated or gas-reliant
- You’re responding to a schedule of dilapidations
FAQ Highlights
Do warehouse refurbishments have to meet the Future Buildings Standard?
Yes, if the refurbishment is considered “major” under building regulations, it must meet the new minimum standards from 2026.
What is a zero-carbon-ready building?
It’s a building designed with systems and fabric that allow for a transition to net-zero operation, without needing further refurbishment.
What upgrades help meet the new standard?
Improved insulation, air tightness, heat pump-compatible systems, and low-energy lighting, all of which we specialise in.
Can we retrofit rather than rebuild?
Absolutely. Many warehouses can be upgraded using retrofit techniques to meet compliance, rather than full rebuilds.
How do I make sure I’m compliant?
Work with experienced contractors like Octego who understand both the technical and legal requirements of the new standard.
Ready to Refurbish Smarter?
The Future Buildings Standard is already influencing how commercial warehouses are upgraded. At Octego, we combine over 40 years of refurbishment experience with in-depth knowledge of energy compliance, helping clients modernise industrial spaces while meeting all regulations.
Whether you’re getting ahead of EPC upgrades or planning a full factory transformation, we’re the team that delivers.
Visit our Warehouse Refurbishment Services page, or call us on 01444 405269.
And, if you’re looking for insights from our team on things that matter, you should read our blog: Construction Project: Internal Partition Walls Can Transform Your Space!
FAQs
What is the Future Buildings Standard and how does it affect warehouse refurbishment?
The Future Buildings Standard is a set of upcoming government regulations aimed at improving the energy efficiency of new and refurbished non-domestic buildings. For warehouses, this means upgrading insulation, heating systems and building materials to reduce carbon emissions and meet new minimum energy performance standards.
How can warehouse refurbishment improve energy efficiency?
Warehouse refurbishment can improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated heating systems, improving insulation, upgrading lighting to LED and installing efficient ventilation systems. These upgrades help meet Future Buildings Standard requirements while reducing long-term energy costs.
Do existing commercial buildings need to comply with the Future Buildings Standard?
Not yet, but any major refurbishment after the regulations come into force must comply with updated building standards. This includes thermal performance improvements, carbon-ready heating, and better airtightness in line with the new guidelines.
What role does heating play in meeting the Future Buildings Standard?
Replacing fossil fuel systems with carbon-ready options, like heat pumps or district heat networks, is central to compliance. Heating upgrades must reduce carbon output and heat loss, contributing to the warehouse’s overall energy performance rating.
How do you plan a warehouse refurbishment to meet new building regulations?
Start with a site assessment to identify areas of heat loss or inefficiency. Work with experienced contractors who understand building regulations, including insulation upgrades, efficient M&E systems and sustainable material choices to futureproof your space.
Why choose Octego for warehouse refurbishment projects?
We’re specialists in warehouse refurbishment with experience navigating regulatory changes like the Future Buildings Standard. Our team delivers cost-effective upgrades, from thermal element improvements to layout reconfigurations, ensuring your building is compliant, efficient and built for the future.
Updated December 2025