St. Modwen, one of the UK’s leading developers of new communities and high-quality homes, today announces a trial to build the first affordable carbon negative homes at Copthorne near Gatwick. The homes aim to be both commercially scalable and some of the most energy efficient in the world.
Due to be completed early this year, the homes could produce more energy than they consume. Analysis by energy and sustainability experts Ampersand Partners shows St. Modwen’s design could slash 52% from families’ energy bills[1], helping families’ budgets as the squeeze on household finances becomes more acute, and better protect consumers from rising bills. Savings are expected to be even higher for average UK homes, where the average bill is £1,277, if the same efficiency standards are applied.
As well as cost savings, the trial homes are capable of delivering a 103% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current standards due to the shift from reliance on fossil fuels to usage of electric-powered technology. Unlike traditional builds, these St. Modwen homes will use an electric air-source heat pump. A smart hot water tank connected to the homes’ solar panels will also remove the need for gas-powered hot water.