Reducing carbon footprint, improving sustainability and lowering energy costs are becoming a priority for UK homeowners in recent years.
With 58%* of people wanting a better quality of life through green home improvements, sustainability isn’t just a trend. It’s practical, valuable and increasingly expected from buyers and tenants alike.
There are small tweaks you can make in your property and lifestyle that can have a significant impact on how green your home is. With these tweaks, you not only reduce costs, but also increase your property’s value, with 19%* of homeowners making improvements to attract tenants and buyers.
So, be part of the change and see how you can make your home more sustainable.
Understanding Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
An EPC is an official document that rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to least efficient (G).
To obtain an EPC, you need a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor to evaluate your property and lodge a certificate along with recommendations for improvements.
In England and Wales, landlords need to meet a minimum EPC rating of E to rent out their homes, with proposals to increase this to a C rating.
58% of rental homes already have an EPC rating of C or above, compared to 41% in 2015. Resale homes are following the same trend, increasing by 17% in the last ten years.*
This reflects how energy-efficiency is becoming more important for those looking to move across the market, especially with the rise of energy bills in recent years. Properties with the highest EPC rating of A have average annual energy bills of £571, compared to £6,368 for EPC G.*
If you’re a landlord and want to know more about the upcoming changes, read our guide on what we know around EPC regulation changes here.
Try renewable energy options
Renewable energy technology has come a long way in recent years, and it's now more accessible and effective than ever before. If you're ready to make a bigger investment in your property's sustainability, these options are worth serious consideration.
Heat pumps have had a surge in popularity, with 46%* of property listings mentioning them in the past year alone. This shows interest buyers have in both their environmental credentials but also their cost-savings.
They work by extracting heat from the air or ground outside and transferring it into your home, instead of burning fossil fuels like traditional boilers. Not only are they energy efficient, but you could also benefit from government grants of up to £7,500 to help cover the cost of installing a heat pump.
Solar panels are another attractive renewable energy source, generating electricity through the sun – even on cloudy days. Many see a return on their investment within 10-15 years, and you can even sell excess electricity to the national grid, making it doubly cost-effective.
Reduce home heat loss
Installing a new renewable energy source can be disruptive and does hold a cost that some aren’t willing to invest in – especially when living in a home they’re looking to move from in a shorter time frame.
Focusing on reducing the loss of heat from your home is a key component of a more sustainable property that can sometimes be overlooked. Draught-proofing is relatively inexpensive, and can be as simple as:
- Installing draught excluders on external doors
- Using self-adhesive strips around windows
- Fitting a letterbox flap or brush
- Installing a chimney balloon to unused fireplaces
Improving the insulation of your home is also a quick win to help improve the efficiency of your heating. Adding loft-insulation is the most cost-effective place to start, as heat rises and the roof is a key area for preventing heat loss. It’s also relatively simple to install.
For older homes that have cavity walls, adding insulation here isn’t too costly and can reduce heat loss significantly. For solid walls it is more expensive but can make a real difference to energy efficiency and comfort.
Switch to efficient water systems
Water conservation is also an essential part of having a more sustainable home. Making small swaps such as to low-flow fixtures such as taps, showerheads and toilets will see you use significantly less water. Modern taps and showerheads use technology to aerate water to maintain the same level of pressure while using up to half the water.
Dual-flushing toilets offer you to choose between a half or full flush, reducing unnecessary water usage. They are also relatively inexpensive and can be retrofitted, so there’s no need for a renovation to incorporate them.
Switch to LED lighting
If you're looking for the easiest, most accessible upgrade with immediate impact, switching to LED lighting throughout your home is hard to beat. LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer.
The upfront cost of LED bulbs has dropped dramatically in recent years, and while they're still slightly more expensive than traditional bulbs, the long-term savings are undeniable. You'll also save time and hassle by not having to replace bulbs as frequently.
Switching to LED lighting is a simple change that anyone can make, regardless of budget or property type. It's an easy win that starts saving you money from day one.
Start your sustainability journey today
Making your property more sustainable benefits everyone: homeowners enjoy lower bills and greater comfort, buyers and tenants get energy-efficient homes that cost less to run, and we all contribute to a healthier environment.
Whether you're preparing to sell, planning to let, or simply want to improve your home for your own benefit, our team is here to help.
