The pioneering move will be implemented across all Redrow developments nationwide as part of the Government’s bid 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 the new homes as Redrow moves towards an all-electric solution.
Stepping up designs
There has been a notable increase in demand for energy-efficient features from homebuyers in recent years. New research reveals that three-quarters (74%) of UK adults admit that living in an energy-efficient home is more important to them now than a year ago.
Currently, Redrow 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, the company is now looking to air source heat pumps to further increase its homes’ efficiency.
Redrow designs will work seamlessly with heat pump technology and use ground-floor underfloor heating to complement its open-plan layouts.
Putting pumps to the test
Redrow is working in partnership with Mitsubishi, Vaillant and Daiken for installation, each offering its training centre and installation facilities 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, usage was monitored 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.
Lowering energy usage
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.”