Following the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, the UK government pledged to reach net zero by 2050. As households account for 26% of the UK’s carbon emissions, an approach revolutionizing housebuilding is an essential part of the UK achieving this target in the coming years. quarter century
Inefficient heating systems fueled by fossil fuels and poor insulation are the main reason why traditional housing stock in the UK contributes so significantly to our collective greenhouse gas emissions. The latest government building regulations therefore aim to radically improve the energy performance of new homes with a greener approach to construction and home heating technology, and modernized appliances.
Find out how new build homes are being built to meet today’s energy efficiency standards.
green energy
Green energy technologies are one of the key reasons why new build properties are greener than traditional homes. More efficient gas boilers and compact electric models form the cornerstone of heating systems, with some homes also having solar power capabilities.
From 2025, gas boilers will be completely banned in new-build houses. The latest green heating systems, such as air source or ground source heat pumps, will be used to heat the houses.
Sustainable materials
Many materials used in traditional construction are not sustainable. For example, the brick and concrete manufacturing process produces CO2 emissions.
As well as using modern construction methods to reduce the carbon footprint of new homes, these properties are also partly built with eco-friendly materials. These materials include reclaimed wood, recycled steel and wool.
Improved insulation
One of the main reasons older properties are not energy efficient is that they have poor insulation – in fact, the traditional housing stock in the UK is one of the most leaky in Europe.
Newly built homes are designed to have much improved insulation compared to their existing counterparts. Well-insulated cavity walls keep heat in the home and prevent air from coming in from outside. In addition, all newly built homes have double or triple-glazed windows and excellent roof insulation.
Ecological technologies
Finally, we have also thought about household appliances and how they can improve energy efficiency. For example, traditional gas cookers have been replaced by induction hobs and the lights are equipped with LED bulbs. These changes help new build homeowners save up to £3,000 on their annual energy bills.
Some new-build properties also take advantage of smart technology products that save energy, such as upgraded thermostats, heating systems that can be controlled via an app, and sensors that shut off electricity to standby devices.
