Tough Energy Efficiency Standards for New Homes.
Housing Minister John Healey recently announced a new Standard for the energy efficiency of zero carbon homes. He proposed that energy efficiency should play a significant role in the delivery of zero carbon homes. He said that these new Standards signalled "...real momentum to change and radically rethink how we design our future towns and homes."The new Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard will be expressed in kWh/m²/yr, a metric already familiar to many involved in energy efficiency assessments and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and both design stage and completion energy assessments, under Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP).It is interesting to compare the proposed new Standard with what is currently typical in existing homes: A 1930's semi-detached house with some improvements; such as double glazing and 300mm of loft insulation, uses around 7.5 times the proposed Standard. A mid-floor apartment built within the past five years uses around 6.25 times the proposed Standard.If the proposed Standards are fully implemented as planned in 2016, the change needed to the fabric design and specification of new homes is going to be considerable.Synergy Property Services, with its extensive experience, is already working with house builders, developers and Architects nationwide; supporting and guiding efforts to design new, energy efficient homes and bring them to market, cost effectively.To join them or for more information on how Synergy Property Services can help you develop the new generation of zero carbon, energy efficient homes that will be demanded, contact Andrew Morphet on 07931 791195 for an informal, no obligation discussion.