Never has humanity been more united in its concern for the state of the environment and the pace of climate change. Now more than ever, households and businesses are demonstrating a real awareness of the importance of sustainability.
By 2040, the government in the UK intends to prohibit the sale of all new combustion engine cars outright. Campaigners are pushing to bring something forward by at least 10 years.
Energy efficiency has been a major concern for homes and businesses across the UK for some time, with a raft of initiatives having been brought in to boost eco-awareness. Single-use carrier bags have all but vanished from supermarkets, incandescent light bulbs are no longer sold, and plastic straws are disappearing fast.
It may even soon be possible to claim something of an incentive for handing used plastic bottles in for recycling, as has been the case with aluminium cans for years.
Elsewhere, new and established property developers are also stepping up their efforts to care for the planet. New technologies are being introduced all the time to reduce energy consumption, while the use of reclaimed and recycled materials becomes more widespread.
The installation of super-thick loft insulation has become the norm for most new homes, often combined with triple-glazed windows and even the inclusion of solar panels to generate renewable energy.
As the UK’s house builders race to keep up with insurmountable demand for new homes, it is likely we will continue to see more energy-efficient homes make their way onto the market than ever before.
Net zero carbon by 2030
Having been acknowledged as too ambitious to be realistic, the UK government scrapped its “zero carbon policy” in 2017. Nevertheless, housebuilders and property developers remain united in their commitment to bringing more energy-efficient homes to the market.
London recently joined another 18 major cities worldwide with the pledge to ensure all new buildings will be rated net zero carbon by the end of the current decade.
Advancements in eco-friendly technology are making it easier for homeowners and tenants to live more sustainable lives. For example, homes are now being constructed with exterior features that collect, filter, and recycle rainwater. Smart lighting and heating systems are also boosting energy efficiency while helping people gain a better understanding of their own energy usage habits.
Some renewable energy systems, such as solar generators built into homes, are so efficient that their occupants are actually selling excess energy back to their main providers.
Increasingly, lenders are showing a preference for property developers and investors committed to sustainability. Going forward, it is entirely likely that those who commit themselves to environmentally friendly property development will benefit from preferential interest rates on mortgages and loans, along with other government-backed incentives to ensure a sustainable future.