Rapidly evolving green technologies, innovative construction techniques and improved building standards mean that new homes are far out-performing older properties when it comes to energy efficiency and impact on the environment.
Unlike Georgian and Victorian properties, which were constructed in times when central heating and energy efficiency were not considerations, modern homes are designed with sustainability at their core.
Energy Efficiency: The Hallmark of New Homes
Today, homes in the UK are built to meet stringent building regulations, meaning better insulation, state-of-the-art heating systems, and overall superior construction. This all adds up to more efficient energy consumption, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer without breaking the bank.
New figures from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reveal a stark contrast the between new homes and their older counterparts, making them the obvious choice for improved comfort, lower energy bills and superior green credentials.
On average, new builds use 65% less energy than older homes. 86% have an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating which signifies high levels of energy efficiency, insulation, energy-saving features and efficient heating, including renewable energy sources. Less than 5% of older properties achieve the same rating. At Elivia, all our homes are designed to achieve at least an EPC rating of B.
The Economic Benefits of Buying New
The result is lower fuel bills, making the cost of heating, hot water and lighting 50% cheaper in a new build property, saving the average household £979 per year. Good news for the one in four of us who, according to the Office for National Statistics, are using less fuel in their home because of concerns around the cost-of-living.
The cost of improving an older property to make it more energy efficient can be vast, from upgrading insulation and replacing windows and doors to retrofitting renewable energy solutions and installing EV charging points – all of which now come as standard in new homes. Smart technology is also built-in, putting the power in the hands of homeowners when it comes to energy usage.
Committing to a Zero-Carbon Future
The new homes industry is adapting at pace to support the UK’s net zero future. New homes are better for the environment, delivering quality-built homes that are low carbon and both energy and thermally efficient. The latest figures from the HBF revealed that new build homes emit 65% less carbon a year, just 35% of that of the average older property. Buyers of new build properties in 2024 helped reduce carbon emissions by 500,000 tonnes.
Elivia Homes has long been an early-adopter of low and zero carbon technologies, taking a fabric-first approach to ensure that energy efficiency is designed and built into every property. The company is also embracing modern construction methods, with 80% of homes in production using sustainable timber frame construction, further reducing our carbon footprint and minimising waste onsite.
Choosing an energy-efficient and low carbon new home means making an investment in the future; financial savings, a better quality of life, and helping to create a more sustainable future for all. It’s a decision that will pay dividends both today and for many years to come.