Increase in new energy efficient homes

New government figures indicate a 16 per cent increase in supply of energy efficient homes, highlighting ‘progress in the mission to build back better and greener from the pandemic.

In the 12 months to June 2021, 251,000 EPCs were lodged for new build homes, an increase of 16 per cent on the previous year. This now means 85 per cent of new homes in England and Wales are in the highest energy efficient bands with an energy rating of A or B.

The government’s Future Homes Standard will ensure that new homes produce at least 75 per cent lower CO2 emissions compared to those built to current standards. This is part of a commitment to improve the quality of housing across the nation by ensuring new homes adhere to strict energy efficiency standards, which will help meet target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “This government acted decisively to keep the housing market open and operating safely during the pandemic. We are now seeing the benefit as these latest figures indicate an increase in supply of green homes. Not only do we want to build back better, we want to make sure homes across the nation are fit for the future, better for the environment and more affordable for home-owners to heat. Our environmental targets will be fair and affordable to everyone.”