Households need to use less energy; we should all be living in eco homes in the coming years. Here are some good buys.
Our households are responsible for a shocking 40% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. It’s a shocking statistic, and regardless of the current energy crisis, it needs to change. Eco homes are the future, whether they’re new-build homes designed to be free from fossil fuels, or period homes that have been cleverly insulated and retrofitted. Carbon-intensive gas boilers are due to be phased out over the next decades; the government has set a target for decarbonisation to reach net zero by 2050, and household energy consumption is a large part of this.
From monitoring our energy consumption using smart meters to building a carbon neutral house in entirely sustainable materials, there are lots of ways to lessen our homes’ negative impact on the environment, and most of them will save on running costs too. Solar power, insulation and triple glazing can all be retrofitted, while new builds with an eye on eco living will focus on energy storage, rainwater harvesting, green roofs, timber frames and recycled materials. Modern new build homes are now more sustainable, comfortable and efficient than ever before.
1. Nayland, Suffolk
This Grade II listed country house in Suffolk might not, at first glance, look like an eco home. It has lots of original features and retains its 18th century character, but thanks to being retrofitted with an air source heat pump – and therefore heated entirely with renewable energy – it is a zero-carbon property. This award-winning house is for sale through Winkworth Long Melford 01787 326740 for £550,000.
2. Tooting
This new build house in Tooting might be more what we’d expect of an eco home. Architecturally designed, the three-bedroom property is full of clean lines and natural light, with a well-considered layout and a spacious feel. It’s brilliantly energy efficient and environmentally friendly home too, with an air source heat pump and therefore no need for gas. It’s on the books at Winkworth Tooting 020 8767 5521 for £875,000.
3. Northampton
This four bedroom house in Wootton, Northampton, has solar panels that provide an annual income to the property from its excess energy. The whole house has been updated and its attractive corner site and large garden make it an appealing home, while its solar capacity offers a lot of eco potential. It’s on the market at £585,000 with Winkworth Northampton 01604 204455.
4. Crouch End
An unusual two bedroom bungalow in Alexandra Road, London N8 is in fact a full eco home with a living roof, planted with Sedum, succulents and wild grasses, offering fantastic insulation and low energy bills for warm winters and cool summers. The completely detached house has a separate garden lodge room and as a new-build property it’s in good order and designed for ultimate efficiency – plus it looks very stylish too. Contact Winkworth Crouch End 020 8342 9999 for more; it’s priced at £700,000.