Climate change, advances in technology and processes, and the national target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 has brought sustainability firmly into focus for housebuilders. The industry is embracing the issue and has already made huge advances in sustainable building. But with 2050 drawing closer, where are the UK's housebuilders on the journey to delivering more sustainable homes? What are prospective buyers looking for? And how will the industry overcome potential barriers to enjoy the long-term benefits of building 'green'?
Our report 'Building and Buying Better Homes' sets out to answer these questions and looks at where the opportunities lie in creating more sustainable homes of the future. It brings together the views of more than 300 UK housebuilders and 2,000 plus homebuyers to examine the issue from 'both sides of the fence'. The findings are revealing; and highlight a shared commitment to more sustainable homes. Almost half of the housebuilders surveyed (40%), for example, have a sustainability strategy in place and the issue ranks third in buyers' list of priorities once cost, location and size are taken into account.
Whether you are a small or large developer, contractor or supplier, this report will give you an insight into the current behaviours, beliefs and aspirations in relation to delivering sustainable homes. You can see where your business sits on the journey towards a greener future for new homes and where there may be opportunities to enhance your sustainability plans. With stretching targets set for the industry, there are naturally challenges to overcome. More guidance and investment are key priorities with a focus on:
- Finance - to meet the net zero carbon emissions target, 50% of housebuilders expect they will need to divert 11-30% of their profits into building green homes. Our report looks at where housebuilders are looking to address the balance, including the benefits of 'green loans'.
- Planning - as many as 61% of housebuilders consider sustainability at the planning stage, although 39% call for a more supportive infrastructure. We discuss the importance of a collaborative approach and engaging landowners and planning authorities on a shared vision.
- Diversification - we report on what buyers see as the benefits of a sustainable home and the most important features of a post-pandemic home. How is this changing the shape of housebuilders' plans and what are their top areas of focus for the future?
Looking ahead, our sector experts also give their take on the trends we are seeing across the industry and what they believe to be the six key areas that will affect or inform progress.
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