It comes as no surprise, given all the media talk about net-zero carbon targets, that sustainability is continuing to be a driving factor in architecture and developments in 2025. Sustainability is becoming an integral part of residential property design and development process to help support ambitious government targets, with increasing pressure put on architects and developers to adopt new eco-friendly approaches.
Developers will need to consider their usual construction methods and how they can reduce and minimise their carbon footprint. For example, where can more sustainable materials be used such as reclaimed wood, recycled steel and low-carbon concrete.
However, besides the obvious environmental benefits to using sustainable practices, there are some key areas that are likely to directly benefit developers through these changes. Architects will be more focussed on energy efficiency during the design process, with elements such as: solar panels, battery storage systems, triple-glazed windows, natural lighting optimisation and advanced insulation becoming more commonplace.
This all adds to the appeal of the finished property to the typical buyer. Having become more educated in the subject of sustainability in many aspects of their lives, they are poised to look to reduce their energy consumption while at the same time a more modern and comfortable living space that tends to come with it.
Regarding the awareness of the public with sustainability, Antonia comments, “I think people, communities, are becoming more aware of the effects of existing unsustainable development and places. This is being recognised in a range of situations such as the impacts of the frequent flooding that we’re experiencing across the UK, and also in heightened crime rates across all demographics.”