The energy efficiency of new build homes
Homes built today are designed with sustainability in mind. This means the average new build home is significantly more energy efficient than an equivalent older property.
Not only does this cut energy consumption, it helps to reduce running costs for homeowners too.
The energy efficiency of new build homes
Homes built today are designed with sustainability in mind. This means the average new build home is significantly more energy efficient than an equivalent older property.
Not only does this cut energy consumption, it helps to reduce running costs for homeowners too.
Sustainable new homes
Powered by less energy
New build homes are cheaper to run than older homes, because they are far more energy efficient. Your annual energy bills could be over £420 a year cheaper with a new build home.
Cut your carbon emissions - without changing your habits
Choosing a new build home could cut your household carbon emissions by 50%, compared with an older home.
Don't forget about that higher resale value...
Energy efficient features that come as standard in today’s new build homes can add 6% to your home’s market value.
Energy efficient homes with lower running costs
New building regulations mean that the average new build house are now 21% cheaper to run than older homes, because they are far more energy efficient.
Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s also positive news for your bank balance.
Research by the Home Builders Federation has found that people living in new build homes save on average over £420 a year on their overall energy bills compared with those in older properties.
Upgrading an older home to match the energy efficiency of a new build would cost between £23,100 and £83,000.
What makes new build homes more energy efficient?
Many of the factors that make new build homes so energy efficient are built-in and therefore often go unseen:
- Insulation used in today’s homes reduces the amount heat from escaping and entering homes, keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
- The air tightness and ventilation of new homes reduces condensation and heat loss.
- Double or triple glazing.
- Energy-efficient lighting, like LED bulbs
- New appliances with improved energy performance
The energy performance of future homes
In 2022, government introduced rules to reduce the energy consumer and carbon emissions of all new homes built in England.
As part of this, homes with parking spaces built from June 2023 have provision for electric car charging points to support sustainable living.
By 2025, new homes built will need to meet the Future Homes Standard. The goal of the Future Homes Standard is for new homes to produce 75% to 80% fewer CO2 emissions than properties built to older standards.
How new build homes help to save water
New builds feature new technologies and products that help to reduce household water usage.
Research by the Home Builders Federation finds that new build homes are reducing water usage by almost 8.5 billion litres a year.
The average property in the UK uses around 150 litres of water per person per day. However, new build homes are designed and built to use an average of 110 litres per person per day.
What makes new build homes water efficient?
There are a number of water-saving features found in the average new build home, including:
- Low flow shower heads that reduce water consumption without affecting the water pressure
- Low flow taps to reduce water usage by introducing air into the flow without reducing the water pressure or flow rate
- Dual flush toilets to improve water efficiency as less water is needed for each flush
- Modern appliances like dishwashers and washing machines
- Gardens featuring bark and mulch to reduce water evaporation and absorb water, slowly releasing it back into the ground
New build homeowner experience
“Our utility bills are just so much cheaper in this property. I feel like we can put the heating on whenever we want rather than watching how much it’s going to cost.”