Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,
Andrew Sadler
Do you want to play your part in the green agenda and enjoy a more comfortable, financially viable home? Maybe you need a more energy efficient home.
Residential properties contribute to almost a sixth of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is substantial, and a reminder that we all have a part to play in tackling the climate crisis and taking on the journey to net zero.
Whether you’re looking for a new home or seeking out ways to improve your current one, energy efficiency should be at the top of your list in terms of priorities. Because while design, layout, location and cost are all of course important factors, sustainable construction cannot be underestimated.
Here we share 6 reasons why you should strive to live in an energy efficient home in 2024.
1. You can save on your energy bills.
This one needs to come front and centre. While we started to find more stability following the energy crisis of 2022, energy bills are still painfully expensive for many. If it’s therefore possible to loosen the pinch, why wouldn’t we lean into that option?
The simple truth is that energy efficiency is one of the best ways to avoid painful utility bills. Data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that buyers of a new build home will save on average £2,200 a year in energy bills, with new build homes built from 2023 will emit 29% of the amount of carbon of an existing property. Similarly, by making some positive changes to your home – such as insulating your roof and fixing draughts – you could welcome considerable savings. New research found that if all leaky homes were upgraded to higher standards, more than £10bn could be saved on energy bills each year.
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2. You’ll have comfort all year round.
Another perk of having an energy efficiency home is that you’ll be comfortable all year round – this means in the winter you won’t feel too cold, and in the summer you won’t be too hot. Excellent!
This is because an energy efficient home will often have a lower indoor temperature compared to a conventional one, while also being well equipped to keep in the heat when it’s needed. A sustainably designed home will make the most of the sunlight and insulation in order to keep the home at an appropriate temperature 12 months out of the year. It does this through the carefully chosen materials it uses, protecting your home from both the heat and the blistering cold.
3. It’s better for the environment.
Of course, we have to mention the wider ramifications that your sustainably designed home will have for the environment. 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the built environment – if nothing changes, this could double by 2050. This is why all of our individual approaches to energy efficiency are so vital – it will lower energy demand, minimise emissions and lay the building blocks for a cleaner energy transition.
Ultimately, the more energy we consume, the higher our emissions and carbon footprint. By taking the steps to either transform your home or opt for an energy efficient build in the first place, you can ensure that your home releases a far lower number of carbon emissions – a big tick in our endeavours to net zero.
4. It will future proof your property.
While you may not be thinking about it right now, an energy efficient home will be worth far more in the long-term. The resale value will be higher and you will likely also find it easier to rent if this is a route that you explore in the future.
In fact, according to the latest survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a massive 61% of estate agents and surveyors reported that homes with high energy efficiency “aren’t suffering from the same price falls” as those without. In addition, Knight Frank’s analysis of 30,000 properties found that those moving from a rating of F or G to C saw an increase in value of 19.6%. The proof is unmistakable – an energy efficient home won’t just help you now; it will be worth dividends in the coming years.
5. Higher quality construction
As a general rule, energy efficient homes boast far higher quality construction. They’re more durable: mainly due to the enhanced focus on the building envelope and using the very best, most long-standing and high insulation materials.
Add in the fact that many energy conscious builders, energy consultants and designers will be striving to hit certain standards (and will have undertaken rigorous training and certifications themselves), and so you can rest assured that your home is going to tick an enormous number of boxes.
6. Energy efficient homes improve your health.
This one is often overlooked, but an energy efficient home is actually better for your health. Energy efficient homes can contribute to better physical and mental health by creating healthy indoor living environments with healthy air temperatures, humidity levels, noise levels, and improved air quality.
The World Health Organization estimated that globally air pollution causes about 3 million premature deaths a year, making air pollution a significant environmental risk. Energy efficiency measures targeting indoor and outdoor air quality can have major impacts for global health.
Across the UK, it’s also estimated that an average of 10,000 excess winter deaths are attributable each year to cold and insufficiently heated homes. Therefore well insulated homes are not only more environmentally friendly, financially comfortable and better for long-term investments, but they are also incredibly important for the health and wellbeing of all (but in particular vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses).
Can Buildpass help me have an energy efficient home?
Here at Buildpass, we live and breathe sustainable construction. Our vision is a world where the built environment no longer contributes in such a shocking way to greenhouse gas emissions; actually, we want to play a key part in the fight against it.
Book a free consultation to find out more or head over to our services page to explore our offerings.
