Energy Efficiency Of New Homes Saving Owners Money

House builders are at the fore when it comes to improving the energy efficiency of the UK’s housing stock, new research has found.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) analysed data from Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and found that eight out of ten new homes have an EPC rating of A or B. By comparison, just 2.2 per cent of existing homes meet this standard.

For owners, this is great news because living in a new-build property could save them an average of £629 a year, or £52 a month, on heating and other energy bills. According to the HBF, the rise of energy-efficient properties is being driven by innovative designs and the use of more efficient materials.

Stewart Baseley, HBF executive chairman, stated: “With house builders’ ongoing investment in innovation, it is clear that the industry is committed to driving yet more savings for homeowners.”

The HBF also pointed out that, given that the UK’s housing stock accounts for 30 per cent of the country’s total emissions, this is also good news for the environment.

Investing in insulated roofing sheets could be one of the many steps that housebuilders are taking to help improve the energy efficiency of the properties they are constructing.

One local property expert recently told the Yorkshire Post that Leeds needs to look at its housing strategy and ensure that enough new homes are being built for everyone. Managing director of Morgan City Living Jonathan Morgan told the newspaper that although there are a lot of flats being constructed, these only really cater for single people and young couples.

He added that the council should look into building more family homes in the city’s outer suburbs to encourage people to stay here as their lifestyles change.