The pioneering move will be implemented across our developments nationwide and places us ahead of competitors when it comes to the Government’s proposals to make all new build properties gas-free from 2025. The introduction of air source heat pump technology will have the biggest impact to date on the efficiency of our homes as we move towards an all-electric solution in line with our commitment to achieving net zero carbon by 2050.
Stepping up designs
We have seen increased demand for energy-efficient features from homebuyers in recent years. In fact, new research reveals that three quarters (74%) of UK adults admit that living in an energy efficient home is more important to them now compared to a year ago.
Currently, our homes benefit from a 10% reduction in heat loss compared to its previous builds and are 63% more efficient than homes built in the 1970s. With leading fabric efficiencies, we are now looking to air source heat pumps to further increase the efficiency of its homes.
Our designs, which typically have a larger square footage than other new builds, work seamlessly with heat pump technology and use ground floor underfloor heating to complement its open-plan layouts. As well as being a desirable feature for customers, the lack of ground-floor radiators gives customers even more living space.
Matthew Pratt, Redrow’s CEO, said: “We are committed to further improving the energy efficiency of our homes while maintaining our reputation for best in class build quality and design. We will shortly go above and beyond regulatory requirements, future proofing our homes and helping our customers lower their energy use. We know how important energy efficiency is to our customers and we’re proud to be investing in newer, greener technology and leading the way by offering these energy efficient features. This will provide the opportunity for our customers to reduce their costs and carbon footprint simultaneously.
“The move to air source heat pumps will ensure our future homes are ‘zero-carbon ready’ for when the grid is decarbonised and supports our goal of achieving science-based net-zero emissions no later than 2050 across our operations, homes and supply chain.”
Putting pumps to the test
We’re working in partnership with Mitsubishi, Vaillant and Daiken for installation, with each offering their own training centre and facilities for installers to ensure a smooth transition from gas boilers.
As part of a Mitsubishi Electric heat pump trial, which included a lived-in customer experience over the period of a year under real life conditions, we monitored usage to compare energy consumption for heating and hot water against a benchmark home with a traditional gas boiler.
The results show that heat pumps consume significantly less energy than gas boilers, operating at an efficiency of around two to three times that of an A-rated boiler.
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