New figures show an increase in supply of energy efficient homes as we build back better from the pandemic towards a greener future.
In the 12 months to June 2021, 251,000 EPCs were lodged for new build homes, an increase of 16% on the previous year.
This now means 85% of new homes in England and Wales are in the highest energy efficient bands with an energy rating of A or B.
EPCs are mandatory for all domestic buildings and provide new home-owners with an indicator on how energy efficient their property is and how they can save on costs.
The statistics demonstrate progress in the mission to build back better and greener from the pandemic.
Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “This government acted decisively to keep the housing market open and operating safely during the pandemic. We are now seeing the benefit as these latest figures indicate an increase in supply of green homes.
“Not only do we want to build back better, we want to make sure homes across the nation are fit for the future, better for the environment and more affordable for home-owners to heat. Our environmental targets will be fair and affordable to everyone.”
The government’s Future Homes Standard will ensure that new homes produce at least 75% lower CO2 emissions compared to those built to current standards.
This is part of a commitment to improve the quality of housing across the nation by ensuring new homes adhere to strict energy efficiency standards, which will help meet target of net zero emissions by 2050.
As part of our drive to net zero, the government is also backing industries of the future through the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan and the Plan for Jobs for a green industrial revolution such as increasing the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
MMC provides an important opportunity to improve the quality of new homes, deliver more energy efficient homes, reduce construction waste, improve productivity and address the shortage in construction skills.
At Budget, we announced the MMC Taskforce, backed by £10 million of seed funding, to accelerate the delivery of MMC homes in England.
