With research revealing a growing demand for more sustainable homes amid heightened energy prices and cost of living factors, it’s no wonder that low-carbon properties are seen as a great future option.
In a survey of 2,000 UK adults by KPMG, around half (49%) said a low-carbon property would be their preferred choice if they were looking to move. Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents believe that households need to reduce their homes’ carbon emissions.
Citing the benefits of reduced bills, wasting less energy, tackling climate change and having a reduced reliance on oil and gas, the survey also found that residents had an inconsistent understanding of the new technologies in lower-carbon properties.
At Grace Homes, we fully understand how choosing a new property with a low carbon footprint is a priority for many homeowners. We also know how confusing some of the terms involved can be - here’s our guide to help you navigate the myriad of information:
Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
Creating homes with an exceptional living environment with features that prioritise energy efficiency and environmental responsibility is central to our mission at Grace Homes. From underfloor heating and highly-effective insulation to photovoltaic solar panels and heat pumps, our properties have a range of features to help achieve more sustainability.
One invaluable way for homeowners to understand their new build’s energy efficiency and cost-saving ability is through its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Features like renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic solar panels can improve a property’s rating.
There is a legal requirement for all domestic properties to have an EPC if they are being sold or rented, before they go on the market. An approved assessor uses a rating system ranging from A to G (with A being the best), to help eco-conscious homeowners make informed decisions.
Sustainable homes with higher EPC ratings are attractive to buyers because of their enhanced energy efficiency and lower running costs, adding considerable long-term value.
At Grace Homes, we have set a high benchmark of achieving EPC A-ratings for energy usage and carbon emissions in our new build properties. Features include photovoltaic solar panels and smart electric car charging points.
Renewable energy
The UK has set ambitious targets for increasing renewable energy use to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The rapid growth of renewable energy source generation, such as wind and solar, has led to a record high of more than 50% of the UK’s power in the second quarter of 2023.
At Grace Homes, our focus on reducing the cost and size of our carbon footprint goes beyond simply the design and build process. Our use of electricity from renewable energy sources encompasses all our offices and developments, with every home featuring this form of power.
Our properties are packed full of sustainable features - and we work closely with customers to ensure they know how to experience their maximum benefits. They include:
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Smart EV chargers: With the UK needing 300,000 public charge points by 2030 to keep pace with sales of electric vehicles, we’re ahead of the curve with our commitment to provide smart EV chargers for our residents
The right location
It’s well known that accessible and high-quality green spaces are a wonderful way to improve physical and mental health, giving opportunities for exercise and relaxation. They also help to cut carbon emissions and protect natural habitats.
Grace Homes developments are designed with green spaces as a priority, with wildlife areas created to enhance biodiversity. For example, we chose our Chestnut Edge site, near the rural idyll of Stoke Albany, between Market Harborough and Corby, because it offered more green space than normal and had the potential to be enhanced further.
Our in-house planning and design team have developed strong working relationships with consultants dealing with design, planning, sustainable drainage, flood risk, traffic, noise, contamination, landscaping, archaeology and ecology.
We also take our biodiversity commitments seriously. We enhanced the area around an existing pond at one of our developments and planted an ecological corridor, adding newt-friendly kerbs to allow the existing wildlife to move about freely and safely. And at our Sysonby Lodge development in Melton Mowbray, we created a new artificial badger sett, which we were delighted to see was occupied just the day after it was completed.
Connect with sustainable house builders
Since building our first home in 1999, our reputation for creating high-quality, distinctive homes on small developments in exceptional locations has continued to grow.
Always remaining true to our core values, our industry-leading commitment to innovation and quality combines the highest specifications with the latest developments in sustainable living. We align our values with the principles of the 2025 Future Homes Standard, which emphasises achieving EPC A-ratings for energy usage and carbon emissions.
Buyers choose our homes because of their impressive designs - completed to rigorous construction standards - that feature meticulous craftsmanship and a keen attention to detail.
They also feel safe in the knowledge that they are joining a community committed to reducing carbon emissions, minimising energy consumption, and embracing an environmentally-friendly way of life, all the while seeing their energy bills reduce.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are proud to show our commitment to creating stylish, comfortable and sustainable homes that also contribute to a greener future.