Today is Earth Day, a special time dedicated to emphasizing the environmental shifts we need to safeguard our Earth.
About 25% of greenhouse gas emissions are believed to stem from residential buildings. However, homes with better energy efficiency produce fewer carbon emissions, leading to reduced operational costs and lower energy bills.
An ‘A’ grade on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is the best rating for energy efficiency a home can receive. On Rightmove, less than 1% of homes listed for sale with an EPC achieve this rating, while over half (57%) have ratings under ‘C’.
Even so, there’s a growing trend of real estate agents highlighting the energy ratings of homes, especially those with a ‘C’ rating or higher. The frequency of this mention has increased by 104% from five years ago.
Property expert Tim Bannister states: “Awareness about adopting more eco-friendly lifestyles is on the rise, but we must keep promoting the advantages of environmentally friendly houses to homebuyers. Although the property market shows encouraging signs, there’s still work required in terms of educating and encouraging individuals to opt for greener options in their homes.”
If you’re considering eco-friendly upgrades for your house and want to know more about the costs and benefits, you can find further information on retrofitting your home here. Or, take a peek at these exceptional eco-friendly houses that are for sale.
In honour of Earth Day 2024, have a look at these stunningly eco-friendly properties, all boasting an ‘A’ energy rating.
1. A snug green cottage in West Sussex
This intimate four-bedroom country cottage utilizes 6.6kWp solar panels on its roof to provide all its electricity and hot water needs. It’s also equipped with a smart system for heating and lighting to boost its energy-saving capabilities.
2. A reimagined Dutch barn in Carlisle
This eye-catching Cumbrian barn conversion features triple glazing, state-of-the-art solar panels, and an electric vehicle (EV) charger. It also boasts a large garden adorned with shrubs, offering ample space for hosting gatherings outdoors.
3. A 7-bedroom property with a swimming pool
This remarkable West Sussex property achieves the top EPC score of 109 points: our Guide to Energy Performance Certificates explains what this means for a home’s rating. The 7×16 meter swimming pool is heated by a solar-powered heat pump, and any surplus electricity is stored in two large batteries within the property.
4. A house built in the style of a Passivhaus in Suffolk
This four-bedroom dwelling, nestled in a peaceful area of Suffolk, is constructed following the energy-efficient Passivhaus design principles. It includes triple-glazed wood and aluminium windows and solar panels that power the air source heat pumps for hot water and underfloor heating.
5. A carbon-neutral residence near the Cotswolds
This new collection from Newland Homes features homes with an ‘A’ rating that operate without carbon emissions and have minimal environmental impact. These homes come with EV chargers and underfloor heating on the ground level.
Marcus Evans from Newland Homes remarks: “Earth Day reminds us of our duty to protect the planet for those who will inherit it. Our carbon-neutral homes are perfect for those desiring modern and impactful living with a smaller carbon footprint. People are steering away from fossil fuels and looking for homes that offer sustainable living without sacrificing comfort.”
For more information on all the featured houses, check out Rightmove.
