Advantages of eco-friendly homes

In recent years, eco-friendly homes have increased in popularity, with 76% of potential buyers looking for homes with sustainable features according to Confused.com Energy. In our latest Private Wealth Guide, we featured luxurious homes in Essex and Hertfordshire that don’t compromise on sustainability. In this article, we delve into why green homes are the way forward.

What are eco-friendly properties?

Eco-friendly homes are designed to be energy-efficient, thus reducing their environmental impact. There can have a variety of potential features, including solar panels, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating and electric vehicle charging points. But it’s not just new-build homes that can be environmentally friendly; retrofitting older properties can significantly boost a property’s energy efficiency. Options include triple-glazing windows, cavity wall insulation and roof insulation.

UK certifications

In the UK, there are a few certifications that validate a home’s sustainability credentials.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

EPCs indicate the energy efficiency of a property, with G being the lowest rating and A the highest. Data from Rightmove found that improving a property’s EPC rating from F to C could increase its value by 15%. It is a legal requirement to have an EPC when selling a home.

Passive House

Passive House is a standard for energy efficiency in buildings which was developed in Germany and is now used across the world. Passive House homes are designed to be affordable, comfortable and use minimal energy.

BREEAM

Established in the UK, BREEAM is now one of the world’s leading sustainability assessment methods for buildings. Categories include energy use, pollution, health and wellbeing, water and waste. BREEAM ratings range from Pass to Outstanding – you can search for certified assessments via their listings.

Benefits

There is a range of benefits to owning an eco-friendly home.

Environmental impact

According to government data, in 2022 residential buildings accounted for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. The main contributing factors are fuel combustion and electricity use, so renewable energy sources can make a significant difference. Depending on where you live in the UK, installing a solar panel system could save around one tonne of carbon each year.

Reduced utility bills

Improving a home’s EPC can significantly reduce your energy bills. For three-bedroom homes with a G rating, average annual energy bills cost £5,674 compared to £508 for properties with an A rating.

More popular among buyers

According to research from OVO, 66% of people planning to buy in the next two years are prioritising homes with eco-friendly installations. So, having a green home is likely to improve your chances of selling.

Improve health and wellbeing

Building homes with eco-friendly materials reduces exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, reducing carbon emissions improves a home’s air quality, thus making it a healthier environment for occupants.

Government incentives

There are a range of schemes and incentives to encourage people to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. For example, through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, you could get a grant to cover part of the cost of replacing fossil fuel heating systems with a heat pump or biomass boiler. Or, if your home generates renewable electricity, you may be able to earn money through the Smart Export Guarantee by feeding back any electricity you don’t use back into the grid.

Luxury eco-friendly homes in Hertfordshire and Essex

There are many homes in Hertfordshire and Essex that are both stunning and environmentally responsible.  Hanningfield Park is just one of many housing developments in Essex which prioritises sustainability. Located in the countryside near Chelmsford, the homes were built with the latest solar and battery technology to aid eco-friendly living. Meanwhile, Waterford Wick in Hertford is home to luxurious properties that offer a green lifestyle. All properties are net zero, with features such as heat pumps and rainwater recyclers.

More private wealth content

You can find articles like this one in our Private Wealth Guide, where we spotlight more luxurious green homes in the local area. Or, follow us on social media, where we publish all our private wealth content using the hashtag #PrivateWealthGuide.