Sustainability has become the focus of various industries, and the field of chartered surveying is no exception. We play a pivotal role in the construction and property development sectors and their commitment to promoting sustainable practices. This blog explores the significance of sustainability in chartered surveying, with a particular focus on the importance of incorporating renewable energy.
How our role as Trinity Rose chartered surveyors drives sustainability
Chartered surveyors are professionals with expertise in evaluating and managing properties and construction projects. Thus, our influence extends beyond mere property valuation, as we act as vital advisors to clients on matters of sustainability. By integrating sustainable practices into our work, we can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of construction and property development projects.
Our collaboration with the National Energy Foundation UK
One noteworthy initiative that showcases our commitment is our collaboration with the National Energy Foundation UK. This partnership focuses on exploring the impact of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, on property values. By investigating and highlighting the economic benefits of incorporating renewables, chartered surveyors encourage property owners and developers to adopt cleaner energy solutions.
The UK Government has set to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. 14% of these emissions come from the UK’s 29m existing homes. There are ways to improve the carbon footprint of homes already built.
How do I make the switch to cleaner energy on my existing property?
Retrofitting a building or your home improves amenities for your tenants, family, and friends, and improves the performance of the property. Installing insulation is one way to retrofit your home to ensure it is more energy efficient.
By insulating your property, you create a thermal envelope that holds heat within the building. This stops heat from leaking out from floors, walls, ceilings, and windows. It reduces the heating demand, which drives down energy bills in the winter and helps the environment. To do this to an existing home is referred to as retrofitting.
Windows featuring double glazing or triple glazing means they have multiple layers of glass with insulating gas in between. This acts as a shield against heat leaking out. Replacing single-glazed windows with double-glazed saves the average UK home £235 per year on energy bills. It also decreases carbon dioxide emissions by up to 680kgs per year.
Air source heat pumps (also known as ASHPs) are another way to achieve a more energy-efficient property. It is a low-carbon technology that supplies effective heating solutions for homes and buildings in any climate. It works by extracting and compressing heat from the outside air into a coil which heats water for central heating systems. According to E.on Energy, “An air source heat pump could save up to £1,330 per year compared to old electric storage heaters, or up to £1,410 per year compared to an old gas boiler.” With government grants available for consumers to reduce the initial capital outlay, this is becoming a popular retrofit option as well as many developers moving towards this new technology as more traditional fossil fuels start to phase out.
The benefits of installing solar panels
Solar panels are a form of zero-emissions technology, which means they do not contribute to global warming by generating greenhouse gases. They can also reduce the carbon footprint of your property by 80% in one year.
According to Money Saving Expert, you could “save up to £420/year on your bill by switching to solar panels. You could also get paid £145/year for the excess energy you generate.” However, not every home is suitable for solar panels, and there are several elements that influence the amount of electricity generated by solar panels, and should be taken into consideration. Some of these include angle, shading, and size.
Also, the use of supplementary battery storage should be increased. Because solar panels only generate electricity during the day, you could choose the option to store the remaining electricity in a battery. These also come in various sizes and costs, depending on the storage capacity required.
To ensure you have a comprehensive overview of solar panels, contact us anytime. We can advise you on what is right for your needs, property, and budget.
Drive property value through renewable energy
Renewable energy sources not only contribute to a greener environment but, also add value to properties. According to Knight Frank’s report in October 2022 “improving your EPC rating could significantly increase your home’s value.”
Through collaboration with the National Energy Foundation UK, our dedicated team of specialists are helping to deliver a pilot scheme that assesses and quantifies the positive impact of renewables on property values, further incentivising property owners to embrace sustainable technologies.
The positive impact of sustainability building practices on our environment
According to a report by the World Green Building Council, sustainable buildings can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% and water use by up to 40%. Furthermore, sustainable construction practices can cut construction waste by 50% and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 35%. These statistics underline the immense potential that sustainability holds for the construction and property development industries.
In conclusion, sustainability plays a crucial role in chartered surveying, and we recognise that. This is why we actively promote eco-friendly practices in construction and property development. The financial benefits, cost savings, and compelling statistics all indicate that embracing sustainability is essential for protecting our environment.
To find out more, reach out anytime.