The pledge to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 affects us all. In fact, 40% of UK emissions come from households, with the average household emitting 2.7 tonnes of CO2 every year just from heating their home.

Lowering the operational costs of a property is incredibly advantageous to UK property buyers, increasing the properties’ EPC rating and dramatically lowering energy bills, whilst simultaneously reducing carbon emissions. Research conducted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) supports this, showing that making energy saving home improvements has the power to increase property value up to 38% in some regions (14% on average).

Prospective UK buyers particularly desire sustainable properties, with 63% of homebuyers looking to purchase an environmentally friendly home. Better still, 82% are willing to pay a premium for a sustainable property.

Best energy efficient home improvements to increase property value?

Insulating your home before putting it on the market can be one of the quickest and most economical ways to lower energy wastage whilst increasing sustainability and value. Investing in modern double glazed or triple glazed window replacements is the single most effective way to increase efficiency and value within residential property. After all, there’s little point in upgrading to a renewable heating source if valuable energy is still leaking out through inefficient windows and doors.

How does sustainability affect property?

Considering this, installing new double glazing can boost a property’s EPC score by 5 to 10 points. Super Spacer products are known worldwide for outstanding thermal performance and durability. For example, Super Spacer® Premium reduces window U-values by up to 0.2W/m2K, allowing for the highest residential Window Energy Ratings possible. Reducing condensation by up to 70% and being up to 65% warmer at the internal edge when Edgetech Warm Edge Spacer Bars are incorporated into the sealed unit of a window system, the energy efficiency performance of the window is vastly improved.

What home improvements could make a house more eco friendly?

The average UK home’s carbon footprint has reduced by 4.7 tonnes of CO2 since 1990, but there is still much to do to ensure the UK meets the 2030 emissions reductions in the Fifth Carbon budget. So, other than replacing windows and doors with modern glazing combined with modern warm edge spacer technology, what other home improvements can maximise sustainability at home?…

Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation
Replace your boiler
Fit a hot water tank thermostat
Insulate your pipe work
Install low-flow toilets
Invest in a water-saving shower head
Install a smart meter
Solar energy
Heat pumps and heat exchangers
Geothermal heating
Sustainable water drainage solutions
Upgrade high energy appliances with energy efficient ones
Hang thicker curtains & add door draft excluders in winter
Energy efficient lighting, e.g., LED light bulbs
Switch to a cheaper energy tariff
Low environmental impact construction materials
Keep an eye on your energy consumption with an energy monitor
Conduct a home energy assessment
Cultivate energy saving habits, e.g., switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in use, let clothes dry naturally, keep lids on pans when cooking.