New Build Homes & the Environment: What are the Benefits?

Owning a new build home comes with a large amount of benefits, from the freedom to design your home as you please, to the long-lasting durability of the building materials. But did you know that newly built homes are also hugely beneficial for the environment? As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, there’s no better time to buy an eco-friendly home.

1. Energy efficient heating

As the cost of energy soars, you can rest assured knowing that new build properties consume less energy than the average home. How? Well, it’s all down to how they are heated. Using a mix of air source heat pumps and gas combination boilers, most new build properties draw on renewable energy sources to keep you warm, while keeping NOx emissions very low. So you’ll not only SAVE MONEY on your energy bills but you’ll be content knowing it’s in a renewable and environmentally friendly way.

2. Energy efficient lighting

One of the biggest draws on electricity is inefficient lighting. New build properties will more than likely be fitted with High-Efficiency CFL lights and LED lights as standard, reducing the amount of energy required to fill your home with light. Putting some figures to this, CFL lights use up to 75% less energy than the average lamp, hugely reducing your energy bill and the effect on the environment.

3. Solar panels

Solar power has come a long way in the last decade. Whilst it used to be prohibitively expensive to add solar panels to your home, the tech has now reduced in price as production has scaled and many developers offer the installation of solar panels to the roof of new build homes. Don’t’ worry about those grey weather days, solar panels even work on days where the sun doesn’t show its face. Using solar panels can significantly reduce energy bills and have relatively low maintenance costs, you’ll only need to clean them a few times a year to keep them working in optimum order. You can even work with energy suppliers to reroute unused energy back into the grid and be paid for it!

4. Thermal windows

You might just think of windows as a handy way to enjoy the outside world or look out for a postman delivering your parcel. But with a new build home, your window can transform into a source of energy in its own right. Making use of natural daylight, thermal windows keep your home warm and well-lit without the need to turn on your heating or light fixtures. Thermal windows are 2 to 4 times more efficient than older single glass windows, which means that you can expect your heating bills to drop by about 20%, a huge bonus in today’s world where energy prices continue to rise.

5. Water-efficiency

Everyone loves a refreshing glass of water on a summer’s day, but it’s even more enjoyable when you know it comes from sustainable sources. Many new homes are built to reduce the amount of water that is used, with features like flow control and reduced water volumes. This way you can drink or use as much water as possible without feeling guilty about water wastage.

6. Cost-effective in the long run

The high initial price point of new builds can put some people off. But because new builds are made with eco friendly, durable building materials, they ultimately save you on costs in the long run. This is because you don’t need to pay the heavy cost of maintaining your home when things go wrong. You’ll also avoid the environmental effect of further building repairs.

Buying any property can be fraught with complex questions and issues… That’s why the team at john Shepherd are here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Our market-leading experience has been helping people move for over 30 years and we’d love to assist you with all your property needs. Give the team a call on 01564 786633 or email newhomes@johnshepherd.com