Member Article

Dorset developer’s sustainability podcast ‘shines a light’ on renewable energy

Eco-conscious housebuilder, Barratt Homes, has unveiled the second instalment of its ‘green’ podcast, featuring a guest spot from sustainable technologies company, UPOWA.

As the leading developer continues with its mission to reduce its carbon footprint and implement more eco-friendly practices, Barratt Homes’ Marketing Manager, Megan Hamlyn, welcomed John Southern, Head of Product and Strategy at UPOWA, on to the housebuilder’s new sustainability podcast.

UPOWA, a sustainable technology solutions specialist, has a key focus in supporting the top housebuilders to achieve their green goals and has worked with Barratt Homes for 12 years.

In the podcast’s second episode, Megan heard from John about changing consumer habits, myth busting during the cost-of-living crisis as well as how the developer can continue to improve its sustainable home designs.

John said: “We’ve noticed that customers now want to be seen as green and forward-thinking. And it isn’t just current homebuyers that are changing their buying habits. The next generation are already making demands that are shaping a more sustainable future – such as wanting electric cars.”

Demand for sustainable options is a trend that Barratt Homes has already started to factor into its building values. It installed 12,000 solar panels in 2021, and, on top of that, its homes already save 58% - more than £2,600 – on energy bills, thanks to good levels of insulation, quality construction and high-efficiency heating systems.

Megan from Barratt said the housebuilder’s partnership with UPOWA is significant as the developer commits to ensuring all its new house types are zero carbon in use from 2030.

She said: “Barratt Homes is committed to bringing high-quality, sustainable homes to the region, and with this fantastic partnership, we can do just that. It has been great to hear from John today regarding UPOWA’s purpose-built solutions that can future-proof our new properties.”

As the nation feels the effect of the cost-of-living crisis however, Megan wanted to understand from John about the impact this might have on people choosing to go electric. According to John, there are myths that need busting during this difficult time for the country.

He added: “There are still people who believe that the initial expense of installing solar panels, for example, is much greater than the benefit received, and that they don’t work in the winter because of the lack of sunlight. We’ve also seen a lot in the press about the cost of charging electric cars during the energy crisis.

“The truth, however, is that the cost of solar panels is coming down and their energy efficiency is going up, which is giving buyers a much better return on their investment. Solar panels also get their energy from light, so will still generate plenty of energy throughout the winter months. In addition, it is also still fairly cheap to charge a car overnight at off-peak times, and although energy prices are at an all-time high, so too is the cost of petrol.”

Barratt’s new sustainability podcast brings together Barratt Homes’ ambitions, targets, and activities to ensure that important issues and solutions are deeply rooted in every business decision and day-to-day action the company takes.

Megan added: “This is another fantastic episode, and we can’t wait for our eco-conscious community to tune in.”

Barratt Homes is determined to be the leading national sustainable housebuilder and is building eco-friendly homes across Dorset.

UPOWA provides housing developers, construction companies and commercial businesses with a “one-stop-shop” of sustainable technology products and specialist services to accelerate the journey to net-zero.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .