Green Homes Grant For Homeowners - How Can Housebuilders Seek To Improve Energy Efficiency Long-term?

• Published date: 15 October 2020
• Subject Matter: Environment, Real Estate and Construction, Environmental Law, Construction & Planning, Climate Change
• Law Firm: Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
• Author: Ms Molly Tatchell

Brief overview of the initiative

The Government has pledged to cover two-thirds of homeowners' costs incurred by the installation of 'primary' energy efficiency measures up to a maximum of '10,000. Primary measures are those such as cavity wall or roof insulation, biomass boilers or solar thermal systems. This pledge applies to all works completed by 31 March 2021. Homeowners for the purposes of this grant includes landlords, long leaseholders and shared ownership. Whilst it is positive that the Government are being proactive in the fight against climate change, the deadline for the offer demonstrates that this particular initiative is very short-term. This highlights the need for developers to 'think long' when it comes to constructing energy efficient homes.

Net zero development

For new developments, the way to achieve energy efficiency is to create net zero buildings. To have a net zero building means that any carbon emissions are off-set to create a neutralising effect.

There are many ways to achieve this. One option is modern methods of construction (MMC). In the 2019 Government report on MMC, it stated that the homes built using modular or volumetric construction creates homes that use 20% to 30% less energy that traditional methods of construction. Another option is to focus on the design and layout of the building. Around 30% of the UK's emissions derive from the heating and cooling of buildings together with their electricity supply and by ensuring that the building is well-insulated using triple-glazed...