Are New Builds in Sheffield Eco-Friendly? EPC Ratings & Utility Savings Explained

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If you’re exploring new builds in Sheffield, you’re likely drawn to the appeal of owning something brand new, with a clean slate to make your own. But that’s not the only advantage: modern construction and efficiency standards mean you can expect meaningful savings too.

At Redmile Homes, every development is designed to meet today’s high energy performance standards, making our new build homes in Sheffield more eco-friendly and more affordable to run than many older properties.

If you want to understand how these savings work, this article breaks down EPC ratings and explains where the biggest efficiency benefits come from.

Take a look at what’s available at Redmile Homes’ Gongoozlers Walk development, featuring high-performance insulation, triple glazing, and solar panels as standard.

Explore new homes at Gongoozlers Walk, Killamarsh

Understanding EPC ratings

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) grades a home from A to G based on its efficiency, with A being the most efficient. It provides a simple guide to how much energy a home uses and how much it’s likely to cost to run.

Modern new build developments in Sheffield typically achieve an A or B rating because they follow today’s strict building regulations designed to reduce the UK’s energy use and environmental impact.

In comparison, many older UK homes sit in the D or E bands, which means they lose heat quickly and cost more to heat. So, if you’re moving from an older property to a Sheffield new build, the jump in efficiency alone can translate into significant monthly savings.

Eco-friendly features of a new build home

Energy-efficient features work together to reduce how much energy your home needs day to day. Redmile Homes includes many of these as standard so homeowners can enjoy lower running costs from the moment they move in.

High-performance insulation

New houses from Redmile Homes use modern insulation materials in walls, floors, and roofs to keep heat inside for longer. This reduces the amount of heating needed and helps maintain an even temperature throughout the home.

Triple glazing

Triple-glazed windows, installed as standard by Redmile Homes, provide strong heat retention and better noise reduction. This is a major improvement over the single or outdated double glazing found in many older properties.

Solar PV panels

Solar panels come as standard in all Redmile Homes properties. They generate clean electricity during the day, reducing how much power you need from the grid and helping to lower your bills. You can use this energy immediately, store it (solar battery storage required), or export any excess back to your energy supplier for additional credit.

Electric vehicle charging

Our built-in EV charging points make owning and charging an electric car far more convenient. Home charging gives you greater control over when and how you top up, and daytime charging can take advantage of solar-generated electricity. It also future-proofs your home as more drivers transition to electric vehicles.

Wastewater heat recovery systems

Many Redmile Homes properties also include wastewater heat recovery systems. These systems capture heat from the warm water that goes down your shower drain and use it to pre-heat the cold water supply. As a result, your boiler uses less energy to reach your chosen temperature, helping you save energy without changing your routine.

High-efficiency appliances

Modern lighting and integrated appliances – such as fridge-freezers, dishwashers, ovens, hobs and extractors – supplied with many new builds in Sheffield are usually much more efficient than older models. This can reduce everyday energy or water use, offering ongoing savings from the day you move in.

Utility Savings Explained

Homes with better EPC ratings (A or B) cost less to heat because they retain warmth more effectively. With fewer draughts and minimal heat loss, your boiler or heating system doesn’t need to work as hard or run for as long.

Electricity costs also drop thanks to low-energy LED lighting throughout the home, efficient appliances, and the extra daytime power generated by solar panels. This is especially noticeable in households with higher daytime electricity use.

Plus, new builds offer savings that aren’t obvious at first glance. You avoid the common repair costs associated with older homes, such as replacing old windows or outdated boilers. Every Redmile Homes property also includes a 10-year NHBC warranty for added reassurance.

Invest in efficiency and peace of mind

In addition to long-term energy cost savings, choosing a new build development in Sheffield is an investment in comfort. You’ll benefit from predictable running costs, reliable construction quality, and a lower environmental impact.

Redmile Homes designs every home with efficiency at the core, with features such as triple glazing, solar panels, and EV charging points as standard at developments like Gongoozlers Walk. Whether you’re buying your first or forever home, these advantages offer buyers real peace of mind.

See the Redmile Homes Difference

We’d love to welcome you to our Killamarsh showroom to experience the specification, layout options, and build quality firsthand. You can explore the plots available now or speak to our team about features included across our new build homes portfolio.