The features and benefits of our energy-efficient homes
In preparation for Future Home Standards, which is part of the Government’s initiative for new homes to be Zero Carbon ready from 2025, a number of stepping stone changes have been made which are now included within some of our homes.
Features included*
Combi boilers with integrated flue gas heat recovery
This technology recycles the waste energy which might have been lost into the atmosphere.
This extra heat is instead recycled back through the boiler, giving it a head start when heating up the incoming cold water.
This system increases boiler efficiency and could save the amount of gas used to heat hot water annually, which means lower energy bills for you and greater carbon savings.
Waste water heat recovery system
This technology recovers the heat that would normally be lost down the drain from the shower.
The device uses the outgoing waste warm water to pre-heat the fresh cold mains water coming into the home, reducing the strain on your boiler and the energy required to heat your water up to the required temperature, saving energy and cutting costs.
Photovoltaic panels
Photovoltaics panels capture the sun's energy and converts it into electricity that you can use in your home.
They are fitted onto either the front or back of the home's roof, depending on the orientation of the specific property.
These will help to reduce your electricity bills.
Decentralised mechanical extract ventilation
This energy-efficient ventilation solution uses small fans that are fitted in bathrooms and kitchens.
They ensure good indoor air quality as they extract the stale air out of the room, maximising comfort for you and your family.
Electric vehicle charging points
Some of our homes will have EV charging points installed, so you can charge your car at your convenience**.
Air source heat pumps
In some of our homes we now install air source heat pumps (ASHP) which is a device that uses electricity to transfer heat from outside air into the home, providing heating and hot water.
Although a heat pump uses electricity, most of that energy comes from the air or ground which makes it very efficient - 3 or 4 times more efficient than boilers.
Even more saving features
A few more features that make our homes energy-efficient and could save you money include highly thermally efficient insulation and argon-filled double-glazing as standard which allows the heat from the sun in whilst minimising heat loss.
This means you could enjoy lower energy bills, with your brand-new home being up to 74% cheaper to run, meaning you could save up to £2,590 per year on your energy bills^.
Leading the way in the future of homebuilding
The Zed House is a unique zero carbon concept home that showcases the future of the sustainable living in the UK. Built on University of Salford's main campus, it's the first home in the country to be built by a major housebuilder that goes substantially beyond the Future Homes Standard.
The home will test and monitor the most modern sustainable housing technology such as an air source heat pump, infrared panels, plaster that eliminates pollutants, a fridge that keeps food fresh for longer, heated skirting boards, air-powered showers, electric vehicle charging points, PV solar panels and battery storage. Importantly, the home will also be lived in by a University academic in order to better understand the customer's experience of zero carbon living.
We've also partnered with The University of Salford and leading product manufacturer, Saint-Gobain, to create an industry-leading project that will test the effects of climate change and look at ways that the homes of the future can withstand more extreme weather conditions.
Known as Energy House 2.0, the specially-built climate chamber recreates temperatures ranging from -20C to +40C, as well as simulating wind, rain, snow and solar radiation to replicate the climate in 95% of the earth's environments.
Energy House 2.0 will research and test, in tightly controlled conditions, new ways of powering heating and insulating homes, whilst cutting water usage. They will inform the sector about achieving a significant reduction in carbon emissions for new-build homes from 2025.
Start your search for an energy-efficient brand-new home today.
*The changes apply to individual homes, rather than across an entire development, so please liaise with the Sales Adviser on the development you are interested in about the specific inclusions of individual homes.
**Please note, there are exemptions for covered car parks, car parks outside of the building boundary and where there are fewer than 10 car parking spaces. On-street parking is also exempt.
^Indicative figures, based on HBF "Watt a Save" report published January 2024.