Making a new move can help save money & the environment

Energy-efficient homes are all the rage, helping to save the environment through greener lifestyle choices. Choosing a new home can have many environmental consequences. For example, the location determines whether work, shops and schools are a car-drive away, or within walking distance.

Moving home can also be a time for buying new appliances and changing utility suppliers, so it's a good time to think about saving energy and water.

Leading housebuilder George Wimpey recognises this fundamental change in lifestyle patterns, and its high-quality homes across the region are all designed with the potential to save energy, money and the environment.

Here are the latest tips to help you move to a greener way of life:

Transport – Private cars produce around 13 per cent of the UK's carbon emissions, so when looking for a new home, think about how you can cut down the distances you will need to travel. Good public transport links can help you cut car journeys.

Insulation and heating – Heating and hot water will account for most of the energy you use at home. Choosing an energy efficient property, or improving its energy efficiency when you move in will reduce climate change effects and can save you a lot of money, especially if you stay there for a long time.

Ask whether there is wall and loft insulation, and find out how old the boiler is. If the boiler is more than 10 to 15 years old it is unlikely to be very efficient. Replacing it could save you a third off your energy bills.

When you find somewhere, make sure you find out how the heating controls work or read the manual. Don’t forget to advise the people moving into your old home.

Energy ratings – If you’re buying property built since 2002, ask about its ‘SAP rating’ (Standard Assessment Procedure rating). This is based on the energy costs associated with heating, water heating, ventilation and lighting. Rating is on a scale of one to 100. The higher the number, the greater the energy efficiency and the lower your running costs would be.

Save your energy – When you’ve moved in, get advice on how you could save energy, by doing the Energy Saving Trust’s online home energy check at Est.org.uk/myhome/whatcan/

Change your habits – Moving home is often a time when you buy new appliances or furniture, and can be a good time to change habits, for example by switching to energy efficient light bulbs. You could also choose energy-efficient appliances and make it a family pact never to leave electrical equipment on standby again.

Save water – When you move into your new home, there may be things you can do to help save water. For example, buying water-efficient appliances or getting a water butt for the garden.

Go green in the garden – Encourage wildlife by putting up bird feeders or choosing plants that will attract a variety of insects and animals. Get a compost bin to recycle your garden and kitchen waste.

Recycle – Once you've moved in, and the boxes are unpacked, don't forget to recycle all that cardboard and packaging. Most homes are now served by a doorstep recycling service or you can take recycling to your local amenity site.

If you want a greener lifestyle in a brand new high-quality home this year then George Wimpey East Midlands’ properties can be viewed at the following developments across the region:

CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Langton Mews, Wittering

DERBYSHIRE
Squire’s Court, Ilkeston

LEICESTERSHIRE
Fox Hollies, Wymeswold
King’s Court, Ashby De La Zouch
The Oval, Groby
Weaver’s Lodge, Syston

LINCOLNSHIRE
Spring Grove, Grantham

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Mawsley Village, nr Kettering
Poppyfields, Corby

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Potter’s Hollow, Bulwell
The Avenue, Kirkby in Ashfield

Alternatively, information on all George Wimpey developments across the East Midlands is available by visiting the web site at Georgewimpey.co.uk.