Did you know that 77% of British homeowners are keen to consider greener credentials when they’re looking for a new home? There’s no doubt that interest in sustainability is on the rise across industries, and property is no exception. As a developer, therefore, it’s vital you think green when building new homes. Stay eco-conscious and win over your audience with these tips.
Learn About Sustainability Laws and Legislation
There are existing laws surrounding sustainable property development in the UK that you need to be aware of.
The Environment Act 2021 is a significant piece of legislation to read up on that outlines rules that developers must follow to create greener buildings. Designed to increase sustainable construction, some of the rules you need to follow include building properties near public transport routes to reduce the need for cars, and planning to minimise waste during the build.
It’s vital that construction in this country - and around the world - becomes more sustainable. It’s up to you to follow the legislation set out and build in a way that has less of a negative impact on our planet.
Invest in Planet-Friendly Materials
The materials you choose to build with can drastically affect your environmental impact. Opt for renewable options wherever possible, such as FSC-certified timber window frames and paper-based insulation. Recycled products are a smart choice, too, like Composite Fencing, which is constructed using 95% recycled wood fibres and recycled plastic.
Remember, though, that it’s not just the materials you choose that can affect your sustainability credentials, but where they’ve come from, too. Ordering from companies halfway around the world could have a much worse carbon footprint than a local company. Do your research to find the best options for your build.
Building Carbon-Neutral Homes
Eco-conscious developers must consider the future use of the property whilst building it. With clever, careful design, you can create homes that are carbon-neutral and greener to live in.
Some easy ways to reduce the emissions of the running of your property include:
- Installing renewable energy sources (like solar power)
- Adding rainwater storage and filtration
- Including green spaces and trees in your designs
- Investing in great insulation
These are likely to increase the demand and value of your home, too. After all, who doesn’t want a garden property with solar panels included? It’s a pretty big selling point, particularly in the current cost of living crisis.
Remember, too, that landlords must comply with new energy regulations or risk large fines. If you’re considering renting out your property, get clued up on the laws before you build.
Get Smart With Greenery
Creating outdoor spaces in your homes is a simple but effective way to improve your sustainability. But, it’s not just about slapping a piece of lawn outside. There’s a lot that goes into creating homes that incorporate a garden for environmental benefits.
Eco gardens should have a mixture of wildlife species, including plants that attract bees and other insects. Incorporating features like a compost bin, using recycled or renewable materials for plant pots and raised beds, and encouraging wildlife with bird boxes and fence holes will earn you green points.
In areas where outdoor space is at a premium, property developers are considering innovative solutions like living walls. Plant life can still be incorporated, reducing the home’s carbon footprint, but without taking up additional space.
Renovate Instead of Building From Scratch
Renovating an existing property is (usually) far better for the planet than creating a home from scratch. If you’re considering a new build, explore renovation options before you decide.
If you choose to renovate, there are many ways that you can cut back on your environmental impact. Start by working with what you already have. If the property already has wooden flooring and a fireplace, focus on cleaning them up rather than ripping them out.
Don’t do anything that’s likely to be changed after purchase, either. Stick to neutral paint colours and focus on quality finishes. Use second-hand or antique materials and furnishings wherever possible, and upgrade poor insulation for warm, energy-efficient homes.
Conduct Environmental Surveys
An eco-conscious building respects the local landscape. Before construction begins, carry out surveys of the land so that you know what you’re dealing with.
Tree, land, and bat surveys can pinpoint areas of your site that need to be protected. Experts may identify rare species of plant or locate areas that have become habitats for local wildlife and need to be relocated. Minimising disruption to the landscape around your construction is an easy way to become more sustainable and considerate of the planet.
Look at Existing Builds
Building and renovating homes with the environment in mind isn’t a new concept. For decades, architects and builders have been creating beautiful, innovative spaces that put the planet first. If you’re thinking about moving towards sustainable property development, checking out some past projects is a great way to find inspiration.
Projects that are worth highlighting for their green credentials include:
- The Wintles, Shropshire
- BedZED, South London
- TY Eco Homes, Pembrokeshire
Sustainable Building Grants
There are a wide range of grants available that will make eco-conscious building easier. The UK government and charitable trusts hope that by funding green initiatives, eco-friendly developments will become more common and land built on will be protected.
Some of the available grants we recommend looking into include The Sustainable Development Fund, which focuses on preserving local landscapes during development, and Green Homes Grant, which offers financial assistance for energy-efficient upgrades.
Final Words
Building sustainably is becoming less of a choice and more of a demand. With a rising number of property hunters considering green credentials and the likelihood of more laws coming in to make building more eco-friendly, it’s not worth compromising! Hopefully, this article has given you some tips to create more eco-conscious builds, pleasing property hunters and helping the planet.
Lucy Cromwell, property management specialist
