Flood Re to pilot Flood Performance Certificates for new builds

Flood Re has proposed plans for a Flood Performance Certificate (FPC) for new-build developments, aimed at bringing “transparency and clarity to developers, homeowners, insurers and lenders” on a property’s flood resilience (PFR).

Case studies – assembled by Ardent Consulting Engineers on behalf of the reinsurer – found that while the planning system is successfully delivering resilience in specified areas, significant gaps remain in flood preparedness tracking.

One such gap is the lack of a mechanism to track PFR measures in new builds, making it challenging to identify which properties have been built resiliently and which have not.

Consequently, Flood Re has proposed the FPC framework, which it suggested should work in the same manner as existing Energy Performance Certificates – whereby a post-construction assessment of PFR measures result in a formal certificate of compliance.

The firm intends to launch a pilot of the scheme by the end of 2026, with a discounted premium structure related to the certificates planned for 2028.

Trusted, transferable record

According to Brian Cafferkey, director at Ardent Consulting Engineers, while flood resilience is taken account of in the planning system, FPCs “provide that step change that ensures independent verification that flood mitigation and property flood resilience measures have been delivered as designed”.

“By creating a trusted, transferable record of as-built resilience information, this will improve transparency, strengthen confidence for homeowners, insurers and lenders and support more resilient new homes,” he continued.

Jonathan Kassian, head of flood resilience at Flood Re, added: “Flood Re is committed to the introduction of FPCs and believes the FPC framework can also work for new builds as part of our wider work towards a market that values actions to increase flood resilience.

“New builds are not covered by Flood Re, but FPCs for new builds would complement the planning system and provide a clear, standardised and transferable record for householders, insurers, lenders and other stakeholders.

“Integrating post-construction records of flood mitigation would strengthen the transparency, confidence and recognition of flood resilience measures across new housing.”