Energy efficiency could not be more topical and to Mac Group, it was clear that this development lent itself, to an A-rated EPC standard, from the point of concept.

Most home buyers or sellers will be familiar with the term ‘EPC rating’ (Energy Performance Certificate); it is an industry-wide measure of a property’s energy costs; how much it might cost to heat and light and it’s carbon dioxide emissions. An A-rating, is the highest standard available and means the property is very efficient in terms of managing energy and relates to property factors such as insulation, heating systems, ventilation, and renewable energy sources. Once issued, it remains valid for 10 years.

Developers are not often able to build to an A-rating because it can be cost prohibitive, but Mac Group could see the potential of The Stables and were keen to make it work.

Director Mark McElduff said:

“Our cars are switching to clean energy, it’s time our homes did the same. And when those efforts are built into the fabric of your home, it’s even easier to radically reduce your energy costs and play your part in a net-zero future”.

So what special features do The Stables development have?

Made up of just nine properties and surrounded by beautiful countryside, Mac Group’s signature of luxurious interior and high spec finishes, created under the watchful eye of the team at Cheeca Interior Design, thus insuring a sale of the show home on their launch day.

While a beautiful property can often sell a home, the eco-friendly extras are the element that sets this development apart from most.

Air source heat pumps

ASHP or GSHP are alternatives to standard gas boilers and can provide hot water and heating to homes in the same way. They only use electricity to operate and reduce the carbon footprint significantly. Typically homes with one of these systems will not require mains gas and therefore benefit from no gas bill.

Air or ground source heat pumps do not create heat in the same way a gas boiler creates heat. Simply put, they move heat from one place to another through the vapour compression cycle (or refrigeration process) to make it more usable.

Photovoltaic Solar Panels – Solar PVs

Commonly referred to as renewable energy, Solar electricity panels, also known as photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity you can use in your home.

A solar PV panel consists of many cells made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When light shines on this material, a flow of electricity is created.

The cells don’t need direct sunlight and can even work on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine, the more electricity is generated.

The system generates direct current (DC) electricity. Because the electricity used for household appliances is alternating current (AC), an inverter is installed along with the system to convert DC electricity to AC. This electricity can be used throughout your home.

EVCP

Each home at The Stables will come with 1 EVCP located either in the carport or at the properties designated parking bay.

Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective way to charge an electric vehicle. That’s why the Government brought out a new law to help facilitate home charging for EV drivers across the country. Benefits of home charging include, faster charging, saving on electricity costs with an EV-Friendly Tariff and being hassle-free!

Mac Group accepts that not every development in their future will lend itself to an A-rating target but having been thrilled with the results from this development, it will feature in their repertoire as often as possible, and they hope that other developers will follow.

Energy-efficient new builds have a positive impact on our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering our carbon footprint. By implementing sustainable measures suggested by an EPC, such as using renewable energy sources or optimising insulation levels, we can contribute towards creating a greener future.