Tackling climate change is a challenge on a truly global scale. But that doesn’t mean individuals and smaller parts of the big picture don’t have an important role to play.
Households are said to be the largest contributor of greenhouse gases of any sector in the UK. Evidence suggests families are using less energy than in previous decades, thanks to more efficient appliances and heating systems, but it’s not enough on its own to make the changes needed to save the planet.
Here’s why new build homes are playing such a vital role in the UK’s strategy to cut carbon emissions.
Energy efficiency
New houses are built specifically to lower the need for energy consumption, including elements such as better insulation, modern heating systems and double-glazed windows.
This has a double benefit for homeowners, allowing them to reduce energy bills significantly while cutting carbon emissions at home. Managing energy use with these new homes reduces demand on the power grid and should help to reduce our national reliance on finite resources such as oil and gas.
Renewable energy
They’re not just energy efficient, new builds are better equipped to harness renewable energy via solar panels and wind turbines. Sun and wind in combination are available almost all year round and a completely renewable source of energy.
Installing solar panels and turbines can generate clean energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, reduce energy bills and even create a surplus which can be put back into the power grid. Win-win-win!
Sustainable building methods and materials
New build houses can make better use of sustainable building materials that weren’t affordable or available in decades gone by. This is crucial in reducing the environmental impact of construction and its supply chains around the world.
Responsibly sourced wood, recycled materials and low-VOC paints are just some of the materials used to reduce environmental impacts, but there are likely to be more incredible innovations over the coming decades.
Waste management
Some house builders are focusing on limiting waste during the construction process and on their developments once owners have moved in. The more waste that is created, the bigger the problems of pollution and water and soil contamination become.
From effective ordering and planning to solid design principles, housebuilders are reducing the waste left behind in the construction process. Ideally, any excess materials can also be recycled to limit waste further.
New build homes aren’t the entire solution to global climate change, but they play an important role in reducing the carbon emissions we produce here in this country. If you’re looking to own a home soon, why not consider a new build? It’s a great decision for yourself and the planet.
