For many homebuyers, understanding the benefits of energy efficient homes can sound technical or even a bit woolly. In reality, it’s about something very simple: using less energy to achieve the same level of comfort. In a well-designed new build home, this means staying warm in winter, cool in summer, and spending less on bills, all while reducing the impact on the planet.
At a time when energy prices are fluctuating wildly and environmental awareness has become part of everyday life, the benefits of buying a new home have never been clearer. The latest research from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) reveals that new-build properties use dramatically less energy than their older counterparts, saving homeowners an average of around £979 per year on heating, lighting, and hot water. That’s nearly £1,000 back in your pocket annually, while also reducing carbon emissions by more than two-thirds compared to an older home.
Energy efficient homes make the most of insulation, modern heating systems, airtight construction, and efficient lighting to minimise waste. In short, they work smarter to keep you comfortable; read on to find out how it all works.
The idea of building for energy efficiency isn’t new, but its importance has grown exponentially over the last few decades. In the post-war housing boom of the 1950s and 60s, speed and quantity took precedence over insulation and sustainability. Energy was cheap, and environmental impact was barely considered.
By the 1980s, rising fuel prices and growing awareness of climate change prompted a shift in focus. Building regulations began to tighten, demanding higher insulation standards and improved heating efficiency. The introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in 2007 provided a clear benchmark, allowing buyers to compare properties based on their energy use and environmental impact.
Today, the difference between old and new is striking. According to the HBF’s Watt a Save report, over 86% of new-build homes now achieve an EPC rating of A or B – the highest categories available – while fewer than 5% of existing homes meet the same standard. Modern technology, improved materials, and sustainable design principles have transformed the way homes are built, creating an entirely new generation of energy efficient homes that combine comfort with conscience.
At the heart of this improvement is an integrated approach to design. In older homes, energy performance was often an afterthought – insulation added later, boilers upgraded piecemeal, and windows replaced only when necessary. By contrast, new builds are planned holistically. Every element, from the foundations to the roof tiles, is chosen and constructed with efficiency in mind.
High levels of insulation help to trap warmth, while advanced double or triple glazing prevents heat from escaping. Modern ventilation systems allow fresh air to circulate without wasting energy. Many new homes also include features such as low-energy lighting, water-saving fittings, and highly efficient condensing boilers or air source heat pumps.
The result is a property that uses roughly 35% of the energy of an older equivalent and emits only around a third of the carbon. For homeowners, that translates to lower bills, greater comfort, and a tangible contribution to reducing environmental impact.
There’s also a health and wellbeing aspect. Energy efficient homes are typically drier, warmer, and better ventilated, reducing condensation and damp, all of which being common issues in older properties. The consistent indoor temperatures achieved through effective insulation and airtightness create a more comfortable environment throughout the year.
Buying a new home carries an emotional appeal: the freshness, the modern finishes, the sense that everything is yours from day one. Yet for many buyers, the financial benefits of choosing a new property are just as compelling.
The HBF data shows that an average new-build home costs just over £800 a year to heat, light and power. Compare that with nearly £1,800 for an older property, and the difference quickly adds up. For a family home like those built by Cannon Kirk, those savings could fund a family holiday, offset mortgage costs, or simply provide breathing space during the winter months.
In addition, energy efficient homes often command higher resale values, with buyers increasingly looking for properties that offer both comfort and lower running costs. It’s a long-term investment in both financial stability and environmental responsibility.
While the financial benefits of lower energy expenditure are clear, the collective impact is just as important. The UK’s housing stock accounts for nearly 20% of national carbon emissions and improving efficiency is one of the most effective ways to meet the country’s net zero targets. Every new home built to modern standards plays a part in that national effort.
Energy efficient homes also help manage demand on the wider energy network. By reducing the amount of power required for heating and hot water, they ease pressure on the grid, especially during the colder months when usage spikes. This, in turn, reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports the transition to renewable energy sources.
Moreover, as sustainable technologies continue to advance, the performance gap between old and new will only grow. Features such as solar panels, smart thermostats, and EV charging points, all now included on every new Cannon Kirk home, make modern homes not just efficient today but ready for tomorrow’s lifestyle.
Few developers embody the principles of energy efficiency and quality craftsmanship better than Cannon Kirk Homes. With a reputation built over decades, Cannon Kirk has continually evolved its design and construction practices to meet the expectations of modern homeowners, and to exceed environmental standards wherever possible.
Each development is carefully planned to balance aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability. Homes are built using high-performance materials and efficient heating systems, with layouts that make the most of natural light. From well-insulated roofs and walls to precision-fitted windows and doors, every detail plays a part in reducing heat loss and lowering energy consumption.
At Highfields Green, this commitment to innovation is on full display. The combination of renewable energy systems, intelligent heating controls, and environmentally conscious landscaping ensures every home contributes to a greener, more sustainable future.
For Cannon Kirk, creating energy efficient homes is about more than meeting regulations: it’s about building responsibly for future generations. Each home represents a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and long-term value for customers. Buyers can enjoy the reassurance of lower energy bills and the satisfaction of knowing their home has been built to minimise its environmental footprint.
At Cannon Kirk, we have always prided ourselves on designing homes that combine quality craftsmanship with forward-thinking sustainability. Our 2025 Specification takes that commitment a step further, setting a new benchmark for energy efficient homes in the UK.
While all Cannon Kirk developments share the same focus on design excellence, at Highfields Green in Littleport, Cambridgeshire we are delivering homes to an advanced specification that reflects the very latest in sustainable construction. Here, every property has been designed to perform exceptionally well in both energy efficiency and long-term durability.
Our 2025 Specification introduces a series of enhancements that make Cannon Kirk homes greener, smarter, and more comfortable. Solar panels are fitted as standard on every home, generating renewable energy on-site and reducing reliance on the national grid. Each property includes an electric vehicle (EV) charging point, supporting the transition to cleaner transport. High-performance insulation and advanced double-glazing work together to minimise heat loss, while smart heating controls allow residents to optimise their energy use with ease.
Beyond energy savings, our masterplans also demonstrate a sensitivity to the environment and local ecology. Hedgehog-friendly fencing helps wildlife move freely across the development, while sustainable drainage systems have been incorporated to manage rainwater naturally and prevent flooding. Together, these features make our latest developments like Highfields Green a showcase for how modern design, environmental responsibility, and energy efficient homes can exist in harmony.
The transition towards energy efficient homes marks one of the most significant shifts in British housebuilding history. It’s a change driven not only by environmental necessity but by customer demand for smarter, more sustainable living.
For homebuyers, the advantages of a new build home are clear: lower costs, greater comfort, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a property designed for the future. For developers like Cannon Kirk, it’s an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that beautiful, high-quality homes can also be efficient, sustainable, and kind to the planet.
As the housing market continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the age of the energy efficient home has well and truly arrived, and Cannon Kirk is proud to be at the forefront of that change.
What is the most energy efficient house?
The most energy efficient house is one that uses minimal energy to provide maximum comfort, often combining high levels of insulation, airtight construction, and modern heating systems such as heat pumps or solar technology. In the UK, homes rated A on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) scale are considered the best performers. New build developments like those created by Cannon Kirk are excellent examples, offering energy efficient homes that maintain warmth in winter, stay cool in summer, and keep energy bills to a minimum.
Which energy rating is best, A or G?
On the EPC scale, A is the highest and G is the lowest. A-rated homes are the most efficient, producing fewer carbon emissions and using far less energy than older G-rated properties. Almost all energy efficient homes built today by leading developers like Cannon Kirk achieve A or B ratings as standard, meaning they meet the highest performance benchmarks and significantly reduce running costs.
What makes an energy efficient home?
An energy efficient home is one designed to waste as little energy as possible. This means superb insulation in walls, roofs, and floors; advanced double or triple glazing; efficient heating and ventilation systems; and smart technologies that manage energy use intelligently. Energy efficient homes like those built by Cannon Kirk also feature solar panels, EV charging points, and water-saving systems, helping homeowners save money while protecting the planet.
Is energy rating D good for a house?
An energy rating of D is considered average for older homes, but it falls short of modern standards. While D-rated homes perform reasonably, they typically require upgrades, such as better insulation or newer heating systems, to match the comfort and cost-efficiency of today’s energy efficient homes. For comparison, Cannon Kirk’s new homes are built to A or B standards, meaning homeowners enjoy much lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint from day one.
What makes a house not energy-efficient?
Houses that are not energy-efficient often lack insulation, have outdated boilers, draughty windows, or poor ventilation. These properties lose heat quickly, rely heavily on fossil fuels, and cost more to run. By contrast, new build energy efficient homes are carefully designed to eliminate these problems through modern materials, sustainable construction methods, and precise craftsmanship, areas in which Cannon Kirk excels.
Who builds the most energy-efficient homes?
Many developers are now focusing on sustainability, but Cannon Kirk stands out for its long-term commitment to energy performance and environmental responsibility. With innovations like the 2025 Specification, including solar panels, high-performance insulation, and smart heating controls, Cannon Kirk is building very energy efficient homes. Each development reflects the company’s dedication to craftsmanship, comfort, and a cleaner future for homeowners and communities alike.
