As the Climate Crises continues to worsen, we’ve all been wondering how we can play our part to offset carbon emissions and tackle global warming. If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll be pleased to know that new-build houses, like Hollins’, are not only better for the environment; they’ll save you money!
Recent research conducted by the Savills suggests investing in a new-build home could save you around £4,900 over 5 years and benefits are even more keenly felt with current price hikes in energy and the cost of living crisis. Government statistics reveal that 85% of new build homes in England and Wales achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of A or B, demonstrating the highest energy efficiencies.
News is catching on. New-build reservations were up by 7% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to 2021, demonstrating their increasing popularity as we all become more environmentally aware. So, Why are new builds better for the environment? And how can they save you money?
The Details
1) New builds maximise space efficiency. They often have a more compact form which reduces the surface area for heat loss from a building.
2) Materials are better quality and used more efficiently to prevent heat loss. New builds often utilise double glazed windows and better quality, thicker insulation for example.
3) Airt Tightness: Nowadays, we have to build to much more stringent building regulations and techniques are much improved from those used previously. One main benefit is the potential to improve the air tightness in a home.
Older homes may have tiny holes and punctuations in their membranes, but in a new-build joints are well sealed and membranes are installed more robustly. This prevents excessive levels of air (and therefore heat) leakage, which in turn has an adverse effect on energy efficiency.
A focus on air tightness in turn improves the thermal performance of the home and reduces the need for additional heat inputs, such as radiators! This means your home remains warmer for no extra effort or cash! Therefore tackling fuel poverty.
4) Your property is brand new. There have been no repairs or amendments made which may have perforated membranes and compromised air tightness.
5) New technology can also be easily installed to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. For example:
Energy efficient Gas combi-boilers
Energy efficient lighting such as high-efficiency LED lights for example which reduce the amount of energy needed to produce the same amount of light output.
New eco-friendly features such as solar panels, Electric Vehicle Chargers, smart-meters.
Where there can be a price premium on brand new homes, this is often outweighed in a few years by the cost savings made on energy. You can rest easy knowing bills are cared for and you’re doing your bit for the planet!
Notes:
Membranes: Material within the walls and roof of a building, which is vapour permeable but water resistant.
References:
- Environmentally Friendly Benefits of a New Build Home | Conroy Brook
- New-build: High energy costs mean savings of £5,000 (buyassociation.co.uk)