Like it or not, the way we live and the homes in which we live in are soon going to be different. Climate change remains a constant ‘top of the agenda’ matter, hence more energy efficient homes are needed. We look at what plans are in place for new homes, the issues, and which housebuilders are championing sustainability.
The Future Homes Standard
Due to be introduced by 2025, the Future Homes Standard will require all new-build homes to be equipped with low-carbon heating and better insulation, making them more energy efficient and fit for the future. The UK has a legal target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, and the property sector needs to play its part. The government is setting targets now, so that developers and their supply chains are ready to factor in these solutions in time for it all being mandatory in 2025. In other words, developers should not be leaving it until too late to get started.
What are the challenges?
As with every change, there are always challenges to overcome. Probably quite the biggest for those building new homes, is cost. Already new homes sit within the highest bracket when it comes to price, and there is concern that extra solutions needed for energy efficiency compliance will see prices pushed even higher.
The consultation paper on the Future Homes Standard looked at two options for improving standards in Part L of the Building Regulations (Part L sets the energy efficiency standards for residential buildings). The first considers the fabric of the buildings, whereby a 20% improvement in carbon emissions can be achieved. Solutions such as triple glazing, preventing heat loss from walls and floors have been estimated to add £2,557 to the cost of a typical new build home.
The second option is to blend a mix of improved fabric standards, with the use of low-carbon heating solutions, and devices such as solar panels. This approach would see a new home increase in build costs by £4,847. The question is, will this deter some developers from building the quantity of houses they had first projected for?
Wales leading the way
The largest carbon neutral development in the UK is currently being completed in South Wales. Park Eirin, a development of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom low carbon homes in Tonyrefail and the Ely Valley is a partnership between Pobl, Tirion Homes, and Seo Energy. Of the 225 homes on the development, none of them are connected to mains gas, making use of alternative means to heating homes, including the use of solar panels. This is good news for the Welsh Government who have plans for all new homes to only be heated and powered by clean energy. After all, the homes which are built today will be in existence come 2050, when all the UK will be looking to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Barratt Development prove their commitment
For several years now, Barratt has been working to put the environment at the heart of its work, and to reduce its carbon intensity. It has worked, and the business has already managed to reduce its carbon output by 20%, well ahead of the 2025 deadline. From upgrading their construction sites and reducing vehicle usage, to upgrading their site cabins, Barratt has even been successful in reducing its waste by 15%. They have shared their findings with suppliers via the Supply Chain Sustainability School, which has led to changes in the way products are supplied. A reduced amount of packaging and a change in the dimensions of products can massively reduce the amount of waste collected on a new build development.
Of course, Barratt has also made sure their new homes are built to the highest standards of energy efficiency. In an article from the Head of Corporate Affairs at Barratt Development in 2019, it was confirmed the business takes a’ fabric first approach’ to high-performance homes. So, they focus on the components which make the building in the first instance, such as insulation, glazing, and making the home air-tight before looking at mechanical and electrical solutions.
Other developers across the country
While the major housebuilders are all contributing to energy efficiency standards, there are as many innovative developers emerging, creating communities that revolutionise the concept of clean living. From the established developers, the likes of Taylor Wimpey build homes with high-quality roof, wall, and window insulation, and supply A-rated energy efficient appliances. Thermal efficiency is high on the agenda for David Wilson Homes too, with homes built to minimise the escape of warm air, and to prevent draughts. They also design kitchens and bathrooms with water-saving features.
Meanwhile, an example of an exciting, high-quality development of low energy homes, is Project SCENe (Sustainable Community Energy Networks) in Nottingham’s Trent Basin. The major regeneration project is a collaboration between several parties, including the developer Blueprint, and funded by Innovate UK. Set in a beautiful waterside setting, the homes are fitted with solar panels, as well as underground heat pumps and stores. These enable residents to share electricity and generate their own energy. It’s a ground-breaking and exciting project, providing a true working example of how we can live and lower carbon emissions.
Is clean living important to you? If it is, and you’re looking to buy a new build home that uses less carbon and is more energy efficient, start your search with us today. We list the new homes available for sale from large and small developers across the country. Start your search here.
