While retrofitting a commercial property can make it more energy-efficient, you first have to discover from where the heat is being lost before effective solutions can be applied. Stewart Little, CEO of IRT Surveys, explains the importance of using infrared thermal imaging in pre-retrofit surveys and the value of working with an experienced partner.

Discuss the cost of heating commercial premises with any property manager and they will tell you that energy prices have gone through the roof. In many cases, however, heat going through the roof as well as many other places, is one of the chief causes of rising costs.

There is a wide range of possible solutions that can make commercial properties more energy-efficient and less costly to run, from the installation of a more efficient HVAC system and the adoption of renewable energy sources, to triple glazing and thermal insulation. Given the size of commercial properties, these potentially solutions are seen as a capital   investment, which is expected to be returned over time by the reduction in energy usage. 

The challenge for commercial property owners and developers alike is to ensure that any solution implemented addresses a building’s energy efficiency issues. A new HVAC system might be less costly to run but the benefits of installing it will be greatly diminished if a significant amount of heat is still being lost.

With there being many unknowns, surrounding the condition of the UK’s existing commercial building stock, facilities managers need to understand the state of their portfolio. Only by getting their building data in check can they eradicate energy wastage and achieve decarbonisation targets.

Effective surveys

As all commercial properties are different, when it comes to energy efficiency, it is best practice to survey each building for energy wastage before making decisions about which solution/s to adopt. Only with the correct data can a retrofit be tailored to meet a building’s specific needs and achieve desired outcomes. This approach also stops unnecessary work from being pointlessly undertaken, thus reducing the overall cost and accelerating the time to completion.

Not only do surveys identify the property’s energy efficiency issues; they also provide data about CO2 emissions and, crucially, enable developers to calculate the cost of implementing solutions. This is achieved through Building Information Modelling (BIM) for building envelope thermal performance analysis and energy efficiency evaluation, which together with thermal imaging, is considered the most effective methodology.

The key role of thermal imaging in pre-retrofit surveys is to identify a building’s energy inefficiencies and from where heat is escaping, this includes issues that cannot be detected by other means.

Infrared technology can survey insulation, building fabric and roof condition, identifying problems with wall cavities, roofing insulation, gaps in window fittings, porous brickwork, waterproofing issues and more. As a result, detailed information is collected that ensures retrofit strategies are custom designed to address the specific needs of the building. The additional benefit is that thermal imaging is non-invasive, which means there is no damage to the fabric of the building as part of the survey, resulting in no additional repair costs.

Choosing the right partner

To ensure a commercial retrofit strategy is effective, there are clear advantages to working with an experienced and established thermal imaging provider. Such partnerships can bring owners and developers the expertise, guidance and advanced technologies these often large-scale projects require.

For example, thermographic drone technology provides a better way to survey roofs. There are, however, strict regulations about how commercial drones can be used, both in terms of health and safety also privacy.

An experienced thermal imaging provider will have suitable drone equipment with ID displayed, trained drone operators, knowledge of regulations and safety procedures, not to mention insurance documents. These are necessary prerequisites to avoid scrutiny and to minimise the possibility of an accident, injury or GDPR breach. Compared to using an inexperienced provider, it will give reassurances that procedures will be stringently adhered to, ensuring a positive reputation for both parties.

Knowledgeable partners also make use of the latest cloud-based software, enabling them to combine BIM, thermal imaging and other supporting data. A commercial portfolio’s energy performance can consequently be analysed to identify the most energy-efficient retrofit strategy. A good example of this is by combining thermal imaging with energy-saving calculator technology, the parties responsible are provided with highly accurate data that enables them to deliver assured, effective and cost-efficient outcomes.

What’s more, it is essential you choose a provider that knows the significance of taking images in the correct conditions. It may seem unimportant to the inexperienced, but adverse conditions can effect so many different things, including quality of images taken, resulting in not providing a true reflection of a building or a roof, in turn resulting in an inappropriate and costly solution being implemented.

The list of things to bear in mind goes on, but in short, choosing an experienced thermal imaging partner, like IRT Surveys, ensures commercial properties are given the right retrofit solutions to eradicate energy wastage, improve energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and keep costs to a minimum. At the same time, they provide the reassurance that technologies, like drones, will be used in accordance with regulations. Indeed, IRT Surveys even offers CPD to help commercial property owners and developers understand thermal imaging technology and how it fits in the pathway to decarbonising buildings.

For more information, visit https://irtsurveys.co.uk/

Despite becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of home energy efficiency, many consumers are discouraged by myths and misconceptions. Nicola Kennedy, CEO of Heero Technologies, looks at technology’s role in debunking misinformation.

According to recent research by Halifax, 39% of UK homeowners consider improving the energy efficiency of their property an important priority. However, many are so confused by the advice and information available – much of which isn’t necessarily impartial or even accurate, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between myth and reality – that they fail to act.

Key issues perpetuated by myths and misconceptions are that retrofitting carries impractically high costs, that it causes significant disruption, and that many properties don’t need to be upgraded.

In fact, nearly half of the consumers surveyed as part of Halifax’s research stated cost as the biggest barrier to making energy efficiency improvements. Research by Barclays had similar results; it found that besides cost, the perceived inconvenience of installing energy efficiency-related modifications is preventing homeowners from making upgrades to their homes. In terms of which properties could benefit, Halifax found that 40% of consumers have ‘no idea’ how energy efficient their homes currently are.

Dispelling myths through education

A key factor in the battle between myth and reality is a lack of consumer awareness and understanding, especially in terms of the potential benefits and cost-savings associated with home energy efficiency practices. As such, the best way to dispel myths and misconceptions is to educate and empower consumers by providing them with tailored and consistent advice on both the practicalities and benefits of embracing energy efficient home improvements.

Installers have a vital role to play in making homeowners aware of their options and driving the adoption of energy efficiency measures across the country. However, thanks to technology, they do not have to take on this enormous task alone.

One solution available to installers is a software application designed to streamline the user experience and guide homeowners through the entire home retrofit journey. Developed by Heero Technologies, it enables installers to offer their customers bespoke home energy insights and recommendations in an easy-to-understand way. By removing complexity, consumers are empowered to make decisions that will help them save money on energy bills, increase the value of their homes, and that will have a positive impact on the environment.

Heero Technologies’ App can help incite action when faced with hesitant, ignorant or mis-informed homeowners, as it accurately shows which property-specific energy efficiency measures can produce the biggest gains, what the cost of installation is, as well as what savings can be realised if the suggested improvements are implemented. Additionally, it provides valuable information on the financing and available grants.

The app is designed to enable installers to reach a larger audience, scaling up as needs change and business evolves. With all the required elements built into the platform, including taking care of the initial assessment, installers can use the technology to offer their customers a wide range of energy-saving options tailored to each property.

Further benefits to using the app include lead generation, a built-in compliance service, inbound and outbound customer communications, instant booking capability, using the app for surveys or as a marketing tool, and arranging financing for ATP customers.

An industry game-changer

When it comes to energy efficiency, retrofitting and decarbonisation, the reality is that while some measures may be more costly than others, there are a host of cost-effective and minimally disruptive options available today – the advent of innovative technology means that retrofitting is becoming a more streamlined and less intrusive process. There are also several solutions available to help cover the costs, from green mortgages to government grants and financing.

Additionally, considering that the UK has the most inefficient, highest energy bills, energy-hungry, and wasteful properties in Europe, there are very few houses in the UK that wouldn’t benefit from some form of retrofit.

Ultimately, improving domestic energy efficiency and decarbonisation is not only mission-critical to delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments, but also offers financial, environmental and lifestyle benefits. As such, installers need to focus on educating consumers, debunking myths and shaping their attitudes towards retrofitting by providing accessible, understandable, and actionable information. Technology can help them achieve this.

For more information, visit www.heerotechnologies.com

Despite highest ever number of solar panel installations in 2023 since 2011, sites for house movers miss out vital options for the expected increase in house movers in 2024

Despite a record year for green energy installations in 2023 and the expected housing market uptick due to reduced mortgage rates, prospective buyers need more support to identify eco-friendly options in decision-making.

New analysis unveiled today reveals that not one of the UK’s top 10 estate agent sites or leading property aggregator sites, such as Rightmove and Zoopla, include options to filter by energy efficiency when searching for a new home, according to new analysis by iChoosr, an organisation accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

Given the sharp rise in energy bills over the past two years, many home-seekers have increased interest in their energy consumption and are looking for ways to be more energy efficient. iChoosr’s recommendations for these additions to property sites come as the latest figures show 190,000 UK homes installed solar panels last year – the highest number of installations since 2011¹ and the company is keen to see more support for prospective buyers going forward.

Recent data also reveals that 69% of British adults say they would buy a property with solar panels, rising to 74% of Gen Z and Millennials². In fact, three in five UK homebuyers would be willing to pay more for a property with renewable energy sources³.

George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, says: “The spike in solar panel adoption in 2023 was driven, in part, by the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills. But there has also been a significant mindset shift on installing renewable energy sources by UK homeowners and home-seekers. There is now a near-on consensus across the UK that we are knee-deep in a climate emergency, demonstrating the urgent need for the transition towards renewable energy.”

“Homeowners are more likely than ever to invest in effective and sustainable solutions to improve their home now. Schemes like Solar Together make solar panels affordable and accessible for anyone to reap their environmental and financial benefits. It feels as though estate agents and property search sites are missing a trick by not reflecting homebuyers’ enthusiasm to adopt modern green energy sources. It would be great to see estate agents take heed and add green energy sources like solar panels and heat pumps as a criterion on their websites to help homebuyers navigate the different energy options available.”

Not only do solar panels help reduce residents’ energy usage, but investing in solar panels can increase a property’s value by up to £2,722, future-proofing it for the market and making it more appealing to buyers who are seeking a sustainable home⁴. Plus, adding a supporting solar battery allows residents to store the electricity produced, maximising utilisation and reducing carbon footprints by up to 15%. On average, those with a three-bedroom property with a solar panel system and a 5 kWh battery will save £669 per year on energy bills⁵.

iChoosr partners with local authorities to deliver the highly successful Solar Together programme across the UK. Solar Together has delivered more than 29,300 solar panel installations, which are expected to remove 600,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

Some of the first homes built to a new pioneering energy-efficient standard have been unveiled in Nottinghamshire.

The Keepmoat housing development, built to the indicative version of the Future Homes Standard, has been given the seal of approval by the new Housing and Communities Minister.

The collection of 33 homes use air source heat pumps for their hot water and heating, have solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and increased insulation compared to homes built to existing standards.

The homes are also fully electrified, meaning they will be zero-carbon in use once the electricity grid decarbonises.

Following her visit at the Gedling Green development, located at the site of the former Gedling Colliery, Minister for Housing and Communities Baroness Penn said:  “It was fantastic to visit the Gedling Green development in Nottingham and see first-hand the future of energy efficient homes.

“The Future Homes Standard will not only make homes more energy efficient, reducing energy bills compared to a typical home, but crucially will reduce carbon emissions, supporting us in our goal to reach Net Zero by 2050.” 

Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat added: “We were thrilled to host Baroness Penn at our Gedling Green development in Nottingham where all the homes have been built to meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard ahead of its introduction in 2025. Gedling Green is the first development in the UK to offer homes built to this specification for sale on the open market. 

“The Sales Centre at this development includes an area dedicated to educating customers about the key features and technologies. This will support our customers in achieving a significant reduction in energy bills compared to a typical new home built to the previous regulatory standards.”

From 2025, the Future Homes Standard, currently being consulted on by the Government, will become mandatory and ensure that new homes produce, on average, upwards of 75% less CO2 emissions than those built to the 2013 standards.

This will ensure new homes are more energy efficient, leading to a reduction in energy bills , compared to typical existing homes, and help the Government meets its Net Zero target.

From 2025, new homes will be future proofed with low carbon heating and very high fabric standards and will be ‘zero-carbon ready’, meaning no further work will be required for them to become zero-carbon when the electricity grid decarbonises. 

The UK housing industry is taking a giant leap forward, with the country’s largest ever “Zero Bills” development launching in Newport, Essex. The result of an innovative, long-term partnership between award-winning five-star housebuilder The Hill Group and Octopus Energy, the development – Hollymead Square – will deliver 89 homes that are so energy efficient they have received the coveted Octopus Zero Bills ‘stamp’. As a result, buyers won’t receive energy bills for five years, guaranteed through Octopus’ world-first smart tariff.

Hollymead Square is a blueprint for future energy-efficient housing developments, showcasing how the homebuilding and energy industries can come together to achieve outstanding results that support the UK’s transition to a net zero future with tangible, actionable improvements.

Each property at Hollymead Square features solar panels, storage and smart tech – all optimised by Octopus. Launching Saturday 20^th January, the development will provide two-bedroom bungalows and two- to five-bedroom houses, 64 of which will be for private sale. All homes will be kitted out with a heat pump, solar panels and a battery, which enables the Zero Bills accreditation.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “We are proud to be showcasing the future of UK housing here at Hollymead Square. As well as supporting families to save thousands of pounds on their energy costs over the next five years, we hope that our progressive work with the energy sector through our partnership with Octopus is something that will inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint.”      

Sustainability has been at the heart of designing the UK’s largest Zero Bills development. New build homes have already been recognised for their environmental and cost-saving potential, with the Home Builders Federation’s Watt a Save report from July 2023 finding that the average new build homeowner saves £2,200 per year on their energy bills.^[1] And, new build owners are also collectively reducing carbon emissions by an impressive 500,000 tonnes.

In addition to the properties’ green credentials and lack of energy bills, Hollymead Square is set to delight homebuyers in many ways. The development includes green open space for all owners to enjoy, with selected homes dotted around the boundary, while the lovely gardens of Audley End House & Gardens are a short drive away. Access to local schools is easy too, with Newport Primary and Joyce Frankland Academy both in close proximity.

For commuters, the development provides easy access to Cambridge and London, as well as the North of the UK, with Newport station within walking distance. Additional amenities, which are also within walking distance, include Dorringtons Bakery, Newport Pharmacy and the new Anglian Leisure Joyce Frankland sports centre. The latter provides a gym and fitness suite with Zumba, circuits, HIIT and Boxercise classes, plus AstroTurf and indoor and outdoor courts for badminton, tennis, basketball and more – ideal for an active family lifestyle.

The variety of properties available at Hollymead Square means there is something for everyone, from single buyers and couples to large families seeking plenty of space. The contemporary interiors will suit a range of tastes, while different layouts provide scope for home working among other family-friendly uses. And all with the peace of mind that comes with having zero energy bills for the next five years.

Prices of homes at Hollymead Square start from £489,950 for a detached two-bedroom home. For further information, visit https://www.hill.co.uk/hollymead-square or call 01799 610 831. 

Britons have been told how to slash money on energy bills by picking up small habits around their home in the new year.

Energy experts at Quotezone.co.uk have named five habits for homeowners to introduce in order to save money on bills in 2024.

Image Credit – Shutterstock

With January marking the increase of energy bills as the price cap increases by 5%, many are keen to make changes to their lifestyle to cut down on expenses.

Small habits such as closing the curtains as soon as it gets dark, and taking shorter showers can help to reduce energy bills.

Being more mindful of washing machine habits and using the 30°C setting, may save Brits just under £30 a year.

Avoiding overfilling the kettle when making a cup of tea is an easy way to cut down on costs from electricity bills – with an average saving of £11 annually.

Regular radiator maintenance such as bleeding out air pockets and reducing the temperature setting in less used rooms can save Brits £70 every year.

Tiffany Mealiff, energy comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Our energy bills have already started to rise after the price cap increase on New Year’s Day.

“It means that many of us will be paying more than ever on essential household bills, and I’m sure everyone will be keen to save where they can.

“Introducing small habits into your daily routine around the house is a quick and easy way to reduce the amount of money you’re spending on energy bills.

“Habits such as washing your clothes at 30°C, taking shorter showers down to four minutes and closing your curtains as soon as the sun sets can all help to reduce energy use and slash bills.

“Avoiding overfilling the kettle and regularly bleeding your radiators when using the heating can also help cut down on waste and save you money.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk‘s energy saving habits to pick up in 2024:

1. Close curtains as soon as it gets dark

As soon as the sun sets, get into the habit of closing all your curtains and blinds in every room. This will prevent warm air from escaping out of the cold windows, meaning less energy will be needed to heat your home in the evening. Curtains will add an extra layer of insulation for your house, so investing in thick ones can also help cut energy costs.

2. Wash your clothes at 30°C

You can save almost £30 a year just by being more mindful of your washing machine habits. An average load of clothes can be safely washed at 30°C, which could help slash your energy costs. Consider reducing the number of washes that are needed each week too if you can.

3. Don’t overfill the kettle

When boiling the kettle for your cup of tea, get into the habit of taking a second to consider how much water is actually needed. Avoiding overfilling the kettle could save a household £11 a year off your electricity bill. Many water suppliers also offer free tap aerators to reduce the amount of water coming out of the tap – which may save £25 a year.

4. Look after your radiators

Regular radiator maintenance will help to cut your energy bills when turning on the heating. Turn radiators down to between 2.5 and 3 in the rooms that aren’t being used – this could save you £70 each year. Get into the habit of bleeding your radiators regularly to let out air pockets which could be making the heating less effective.

5. Take shorter showers

Get into the habit of having quicker showers to cut your energy costs – reducing your shower time down to around four minutes may save a typical household £70 a year on bills – even just set a timer for 4 minutes to give you a sense of how long you normally take, to help you reduce it over time. Swapping out one bath a week for a quick shower could also save an additional £11 annually. 

• Iconic London hotel furthers its journey to net zero with innovative solar heat installation
• Project partner is Naked Energy – the British business leading global innovation in solar heat and solar PVT technology
• Installation expected to cut the hotel’s carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes each year

Iconic British hotel Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has partnered withNaked Energy to instal its world-leading solar heat technology on their rooftop to decarbonise their heating. 

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is the first British hotel to use Naked Energy’s cutting-edge Virtu^HOT technology. The installation will comprise 120 of Naked Energy’s solar collectors across the roof space and will provide sanitary hot water for the hotel’s 181 luxury guest rooms and suites, award-winning restaurants and spa. 

Naked Energy’s technology is expected to cut the building’s carbon emissions by 7.3 tonnes each year – equivalent to the annual carbon sequestration of over 292 mature trees. It will also generate 39,747 kWh of energy per year, displacing natural gas consumption and resulting in a reduction of scope 1 emissions for the hotel.

The collectors can generate solar heat up to 120°C and have received the gold standard TÜV Rheinland certification. Its unique modular design makes it the world’s highest energy density solar heat technology, estimated to reduce more than three times the greenhouse gases per square metre, compared to traditional solar PV (photovoltaic) panels.

Hotels are well known for requiring a high amount of energy to operate, and it is estimated that nearly 70% of a hotel’s energy consumption is spent on heating and hot water. The Virtu installation at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London marks an innovative approach to decarbonising the hotel’s high heating demand and delivers a clean energy benchmark for hotels across the country.

One of the city’s most recognisable hotels with a 120-year history, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London reopened in 2019 following an extensive multi-million-pound restoration. The unique low-profile design of Naked Energy’s collectors offers minimal disruption to the building’s architecture, circumventing an ongoing challenge for other buildings surrounding Hyde Park.

Christophe Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Naked Energy said: “It’s an honour to instal our collectors on such an iconic London hotel as Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The building has a long and storied history, and we’re delighted to now help them to meet their sustainability goals and control energy costs. 

“The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. This project is an exciting step forward for the solar heat industry in the UK – we hope other hoteliers will follow in Mandarin Oriental’s footsteps to move away from fossil fuels and change their energy consumption for good.”

Torsten van Dullemen, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London said: “Naked Energy’s remarkable solar technology aligns seamlessly with our hotel’s core commitment to the wellbeing of our planet, of our community, and our staff and guests,

“I’m delighted to bring such an innovative solar heating system to our hotel – we’re designing a cutting-edge hotel experience that is built for the future we want to live in. We hope this installation serves as a blueprint to inspire other hoteliers in London to prioritise their renewable goals and join us in creating a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.”

Sustainable homebuilder Stonebond has recently launched its new Energy Saving Calculator. This emphasises the company’s focus on building greener properties for our future, and how buying a new build home presents a host of benefits from a financial and energy-efficient perspective. In addition to this, potential savings can be maximised further as Stonebond is providing homebuyers with the opportunity to save up to £50,000 on selected properties across all residential developments.

Incentives can be personally tailored, giving buyers a range to choose from, including a deposit contribution, a fixed 3% mortgage rate for two years, part exchange, or a contribution to stamp duty among others. Many homes also come with the added benefit of having curtains, blinds, light fittings, wall art and in some cases come fully furnished, meaning you can move straight in.

With the Energy Saving Calculator, prospective buyers can compare the energy bills of their current home with a new, energy efficient Stonebond property. Users can simply enter their current postcode and select their home from the list, which will show their current annual energy usage and CO2 emissions. A range of Stonebond homes are then available to select from a list, and prospective buyers can then see how their current property compares with their potential new home, and the savings that could be made with their next move. Customers will see an estimate of how much money and energy they can save per year, and how much of their CO2 emissions can be reduced. There is also an example provided showing how far you could drive an electric car with the amount of energy saved, and how many cups of tea can be brewed.

Alan and Julie recently moved into a new Stonebond property and commented: “We knew that buying a new build would ensure a warm and cheaper to run home. In our last home we were paying £340 per month for gas and electricity. We are currently paying £150 a month which is great news. The house is so warm, and I have to keep throwing open the windows to cool us down!”

Building homes in line with modern living that adapt to our everchanging world, Stonebond is a housebuilder that has a strong focus on sustainability, and its commitments include protecting and rehoming wildlife, preserving and planting new trees and recycling all build waste.

Annette Cole, Sales & Marketing Director at Stonebond comments: “We are delighted to launch our new energy saving calculator, as it will enable buyers to fully appreciate the excellent energy saving benefits when buying a new home. With our current incentive to save up to £50,000 on selected properties across our developments, and mortgage rates looking set to continue to fall in 2024, now really is a positive time to purchase a new home at one of our stunning collection of properties across the South East of England.”

As a new year stands ahead of us, Andrew Mannion, Group New Build Development Director at Mortgages First & RSC New Homes, explains why now is an ideal time to purchase a new home. He comments: “The tide appears to be turning in from a mortgage perspective. Inflation is easing and the markets are pointing towards base rate reductions in second half of 2024. This in turn provides the markets with confidence, which has resulted in the first sub 4% mortgage product since the mini budget of October 2022.

He continues: “Mortgage lenders are keen to lend, we have seen some great improvements to lending criteria and affordability over the last few months, since interest rates have started to fall.  Buying a new build property also means purchasers can benefit from further enhancements to affordability and even more competitive rates due to energy savings being factored into mortgage affordability. These are available through the green mortgage ranges offered by the majority of high street lenders.

“There has never been a better time over the last 18 months to look to obtain a mortgage!”

Stonebond’s energy-efficient properties for purchase

Stonebond’s Wintringham development in St Neots is one location that comprises a range of four- bedroom, energy-efficient homes that are ready to move into.  It is surrounded by the rolling greenery of the Cambridgeshire countryside and sits just 17 miles from Cambridge.

At Woodbanks in Takeley, near Bishop’s Stortford, 11 acres of open green space are home to energy-efficient, high-specification three bedroom bungalows and three and four bedroom homes designed for modern living with some ready to move into now. The carefully considered internal flow of the homes deliver flexible spaces that work seamlessly for enjoying family time, entertaining, working from home and more.

An hour away from Woodbanks, The Appleyard in Flitton has just released brand new three and four homes with several five bedroom houses ready to move into now.. The attractive rural village setting is just 18 miles from Milton Keynes, 15 miles from Bedford and 11 miles from Luton. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the Georgian-inspired properties blend country life with modern living.

A beautiful and preserved woodland and 23-arce lake sets the scene for the final development. Arranged in mews and terraced styles, along with detached homes that overlook open green spaces, the homes at Waterbeach, located just north of Cambridge, connect residents with nature in a special, ecologically enriched environment. Final few two bedroom apartments remain, while houses offer either three or four bedrooms – all ready to move into this Summer. The properties showcase Stonebond’s commitment to blending sustainability with stylish interiors.

PROPERTIES with green energy technology are commanding premium prices as buyers look towards lower carbon emission targets, experts have revealed.

The cost of living crisis and falling house prices have created a cut-throat bricks-and-mortar market, with buyers able to be much fussier about what they want.

Top of the list are homes with good EPC – energy performance certificate – ratings and green energy sources such as heat pumps and solar panels.

A survey by estate agent Savills found that 71 per cent of buyers last year highlighted EPC stats and general energy efficiency as key to their decision making when it came to purchasing property.

Meanwhile, 59 per cent said they would pay more for a house boasting renewable energy sources that would lead to lower bills.

Ryan Harrison from energyadvicehelpline.org said: “Buying a home is normally a long-term commitment, so it stands to reason that you would want it to be as future-proof as possible.

“In much the same way as buyers looked for modern double-glazed windows and thick loft insulation, they are now turning their attention to the sources of energy and heating as prime factors in which property they purchase.

“Not only will this cut their energy bills in the short-term, which is hugely important at a time when domestic prices are rising at a horrifying rate, but it also means they won’t have to splash out on expensive new technology a little further down the line.

“So it’s no surprise that homes already kitted out with heat pumps, solar panels and decent insulation are attracting the most attention from buyers and proving the most popular.”

The Savills research found for homes warmed by heat pumps, the average price between 2019 and 2021 was £483,935.

That’s much higher than the average UK house price during that period, which ranged from £227,104 to £269,003.

A similar study by Scottish Power put the increase in the value of a home with a heat pump at around £8,600.

Mr Harrison said: “Heat pumps are highly efficient, generating up to 4 KW of heat from only 1 KW of electricity.

“As a result of their efficiency and renewable source of heat, they are an attractive alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based heating systems such as gas or oil.

“One of their biggest advantages is they are able to work effectively all year round.

“Unlike traditional heating systems that struggle to operate in very cold weather, heat pumps work even when temperatures are below zero.

“As well as being extremely flexible, heat pumps can also be integrated with other systems such as underfloor heating and radiators for a fully bespoke solution tailored to each property’s needs.”

Energyadvicehelpline.org is helping people discover any grants they can apply for to cut the cost of making their home more energy efficient.

These include the ECO4 Scheme, which started last year, that provides insulation, air source heat pump systems and the installation of solar panels for renewable energy.

It’s open to households where any resident receives a means-tested benefit – such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits, Working Tax Credits, or other financial support.

Those with an annual household income below £31,000 can also apply in many areas of the UK.

BRITS are turning their backs on having eco-friendly solar panels installed on their homes because they are deemed too ugly, research has revealed.

The devices, which convert sunlight into electricity, are playing a major part in the UK’s bid to reduce its carbon emissions.

But new research commissioned by energyadvicehelpline.org has found some UK homeowners would turn their nose up at solar energy even if it was free, due to aesthetics.

Some 21 percent of homeowners said they would reject the offer of free solar panels being installed at their properties, and of those respondents, 35 percent said the reason was because they are ugly.

Ryan Harrison from energyadvicehelpline.org said: “Solar panels are becoming an increasingly common sight on homes across the country, and there’s no doubt they will become more and more popular in the future.

“It’s a clean and green renewable energy source that will help us reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and help the UK’s bid to reach net zero carbon emissions.

“However, it’s clear that large sections of the population remain to be convinced on whether it’s worthwhile or not having them installed.

“Our research shows just a fifth of homeowners would accept the offer of free solar panel installation, while a quarter are undecided.

“And the reasons for refusal range from being deemed unsightly or ugly to being suspicious of anything that is offered at zero cost.”

Energyadvicehelpline.org is a leading energy expert service helping people discover government-backed grants they can apply for to cut the cost of making their home more energy efficient.

These include the ECO4 Scheme, which started last year, that provides insulation, air source heat pump systems and the installation of solar panels for renewable energy.

The company teamed up with firm OnePoll to quiz 1,000 UK homeowners on issues ranging from attitudes towards renewable energy sources to experiences with rising bills.

Some 54 percent of respondents said they would accept the offer of having solar panels installed for free.

Of those, 90 percent said it is because it would reduce the cost of their energy bills, while 72 percent said it’s because they are good for the environment.

Furthermore, 44 percent of homeowners said they would welcome free solar panels because it would increase the value of their homes.

For more information, visit energyadvicehelpline.org.