The future of UK house building
British public overwhelmingly support green building, can we provide it?
Today Make UK Modular launches new research into Modular’s role in providing the UK with the energy efficient homes it needs.
In recent years, the global conversation around environmental issues has reached an all-time high, with climate change, sustainability, and energy efficiency taking centre stage. As a result, individuals and governments alike have been seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future. One of the key areas where this shift is occurring is in the housing market, as next-generation homebuyers are showing a strong preference for greener homes and are willing to pay more upfront for these eco-friendly living spaces.
Made in partnership with Octopus Energy, Make UK Modular’s new report has uncovered the overwhelming support among the British public for more energy-efficient homes. The report, titled "Green Shoots: The Future of UK Housebuilding," surveyed 2,300 adults in the UK, using a nationally representative sample. The findings highlight that environmental considerations are now a top priority for prospective homebuyers and renters.
We need greener homes 🌍
The UK’s draughty, poorly insulated housing has led to the country being labelled the ‘Cold Man of Europe’.
In the UK, the energy efficiency of our homes is measured using the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) system, with the best homes given an ‘A’ grade, and the worst performing being given an ‘F’ grade. The better the home does, the better the grade.
The average family home in the UK has a D grade, which means it can cost up to £1,839 more annually than running an equivalent A grade home. Over the course of raising a family this equates to an additional cost of approximately £37,000 per household.
Yet, we live in a country where around 96% of new homes are still being built to below the EPC A level, with the average new-build home being built today at a B grade which still costs up to around £700 per year more to heat than it should. This is a not insignificant cost when raising a family or living on a fixed income, while for a modular constructor the cost difference between building an EPC A vs EPC B grade house is around £4,000.
Today, only 2% of all UK homes fall in the top two energy efficiency grades and only 4% of new builds falling under the top EPC A grade.
More additions less emissions 🏠
Addressing the climate challenge will mean we need to upgrade nearly every single home in the country – a pricey solution known as retrofitting.
The UK needs to reduce needless future high costs of further retrofits by building more greener homes today. But the construction industry faces a major challenge.
With an ageing workforce, the construction sector is set to lose half a million people through retirement alone in the next ten years. To make matters worse, the UK will need an extra 220,000 skilled workers in the next six years just to retrofit homes.14 Last year we trained just 11,000 apprentices in construction skills.
The problem is around how we build more homes while also freeing up more labour to retrofit existing ones at a time when thousands of job vacancies in the sector are not being filled.
How can modular housing help? 🏭
Modular housing provides a state-of-the-art approach to building greener. Re-thinking the construction process, modular brings most of the building work off-site and into a factory.
The manufacturing environment makes it easier for modular homes to be built to the best energy efficiency. This keeps a house at the right temperature for longer, meaning that residents can use less energy to keep themselves warm in winter.
Modular homes are routinely being built with solar panelling. So, it’s cheaper and easier for modular homes to meet the gold-standard EPC A grade. Not only does this cut emissions, it represents a real financial saving for homeowners and renters.
To transform housebuilding in the UK, and deliver the energy-efficient, low-carbon homes that the public wants and the planet needs, Government should support modular today by
In conclusion, the research clearly illustrates the growing demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient homes. The findings highlight the public's commitment to sustainability and their willingness to invest in greener housing solutions. With modular construction methods at the forefront, there is a significant opportunity to build a more sustainable, eco-conscious future for the UK's housing market.
By aligning government policies and incentives with these green housing demands, the transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient housing sector becomes not only possible but also financially advantageous for homeowners.
As we stand on the cusp of a green housing revolution, it is time for the government, businesses, and individuals to work together to make green homes the new standard in the UK.
For more information and to get a copy of the report, please visit the Make UK website here