Just how much more energy efficient are new build homes? In this guide, we’ll talk you through the green benefits of buying a new build property.
There are plenty of benefits to buying a new build home. New builds are much more energy efficient than older properties as a result of modern building techniques, the materials used in their construction and the appliances installed. This not only means that owning a new build could save money on energy bills, but also that new homes have a reduced impact on the planet.
In this article, we’ll detail the various energy efficiency features considered in the design of our homes as well and how they help to keep energy costs down.
How much more energy efficient are new builds?
Building innovations and technological advancements mean that new build homes are becoming more energy efficient than ever, resulting in running costs more than 50% cheaper than older properties.
According to data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF), on average, new build purchases save an annual £395 on heating bills, £28 on hot water and £12 on lighting. In total, the yearly household bill for owners of older properties was £890, almost twice as much as the annual bill for a new build which was £455.²
What makes new builds more energy efficient?
There are a number of factors that have an impact on the energy efficiency of your home.
Materials and design
Modern construction makes use of plenty of energy efficient materials and practices. Around the world, changes are being made to how homes are built to ensure the entire process is energy efficient, not just the end product.
Timber frames
We’re building more new homes with timber frames. Using timber frames has a lower carbon footprint than using traditional brick and block techniques. When trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, whereas materials such as bricks and cement need energy and emit carbon dioxide. Currently, 18.5% of our builds use timber frame, with a target of 20%.¹
Recycled materials
We’re committed to reducing the environmental impact of our house building practices and improving the sustainability of how we work. We make use of recycled materials across our sites during the construction of our homes. In 2021, the equivalent of 9 million recycled glass bottles were used to insulate our homes and over 60% of the material used in the window frames we install is recycled uPVC. We also use recycled aggregates and blocks across many of our new developments.
Floorplans
We consider the floorplans of our homes carefully to include strategically placed windows to improve ventilation and air circulation.
Heating and insulation
Older properties usually have older boilers and heating systems, and they’re often less efficient than new models. After years of usage, wear and tear is unavoidable, and this hampers the boiler or heating system’s efficiency - they have to work harder to heat up, which means they use more energy.
Central heating
Our new builds include central heating systems that are protected from sludge, which is one of the most common causes of boiler problems. This protection reduces the risk of breakdowns which can seriously impact the energy efficiency of your heating system.
We install boilers that are tailored to each home to maximise energy efficiency. Smaller homes include combi boilers to heat the home and the water supply and larger homes use a water tank to improve water flow throughout the property.
We also install zoned heating so, when it’s time to use the thermostat, you can control the temperature in certain areas of your home, rather than wasting energy heating rooms you’re not using.
Insulation
Our new build homes have plenty of loft insulation which reduces the need to use energy to keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Double glazing and trickle vents
Much like insulation helps to regulate the temperature of your home, windows are also a key factor.
Efficient lighting
To help cut energy bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions without compromising on illumination and ambience, our homes are fitted with low-energy lightbulbs throughout.
No wasted water
Restricted-flow taps are designed to stop unnecessary usage of water. They ensure that water flows softly but consistently so you get the pressure, temperature and amount you need whilst helping to bring down the water consumption in your household. Each of our homes is designed to use 125 litres of water per person per day, well below the average of 140 litres, helping to protect the planet and your pocket at the same time.