The Government’s Delays in Implementing Low-Carbon Building Regulations Have Cost UK Households Billions
Over the past eight years, housebuilders and property developers in the UK have benefited from the government’s delays in implementing low-carbon building regulations. This has resulted in savings of at least £15 billion for the sector since 2015, according to a recent investigation by The Guardian. Meanwhile, UK households are left to shoulder the burden of soaring energy bills during the ongoing energy crisis.
The investigation found that many new-build homes, despite being constructed in recent years, are not futureproof and do not meet green standards. Renters and homeowners have reported moving into brand-new properties that rely on gas boilers and lack effective insulation. This leaves them vulnerable to high energy costs and the need for costly retrofitting.
Householders Struggle with Inefficient Homes
Natasha Cox, who recently moved into a four-bed detached home in Lancashire, was disappointed to find that despite being completed in March 2022, the property only had a B-grade energy performance certificate (EPC). The home is well-insulated, but Cox notes that the B-grade windows allow drafts, making it difficult to heat the house to a comfortable temperature. Despite her desire to move away from gas reliance and install solar panels and a heat pump, the upfront costs have made it unaffordable so far.
A similar situation is faced by Douglas Jackson, who moved into a new-build rental apartment block in Preston. He was surprised to find that the heating system and overall energy rating of the building were subpar. Jackson, having experience with sustainable building practices in Sweden, hopes that the Labour Party’s housebuilding plan will pave the way for more sustainable and efficient homes.
There are Some Success Stories
However, not all new properties are falling short. Sam Shaw, who moved into a three-bed semi-detached home in 2021, found that his property had solar panels installed on the south side of the roof, despite not being included in the original plans. This has helped Shaw keep his monthly energy costs low, even with rising energy prices. However, he still emphasizes the importance of additional green features, such as an induction hob and heat pump, to further reduce their carbon footprint.
Despite the frustration felt by those living in new-build homes that do not meet green standards, there is hope that future homes will be built to higher specifications. Many believe that it is essential for new properties to be constructed with modern standards in mind, including efficient insulation, heat pumps, and a move away from reliance on the gas grid.
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