Brits are future proofing their homes, increasingly valuing sustainable elements

20 June 2023

Hive

Media Relations

Brits are future proofing their homes valuing sustainable elements such as solar panel and EV charging points over more aesthetic changes.

Brits are looking ahead with almost 4 in 10 (39%) wanting to install an EV charger in their home, despite only 4.5% of Brits currently owning an electric car*

20^thJune 2023, LONDON: It may still be true that for many, their home is their ‘castle’ but if so, it better be a well-insulated castle, as new research shows that Brits increasingly value energy efficient and environmentally friendly houses.

A survey from Hive revealed that the top selling points on a dream home for modern Brits are related to sustainability, with solar panels (68 percent) and good roof insulation (67 percent) valued more than design features such as natural lighting (53 percent), wooden flooring (22 per cent) and reclaimed woodwork (21 percent). Smart home technology such as a smart heating system (62 percent), a smart energy meter (48 percent) and an EV charger on the driveway (39 percent) were also top considerations.

"It’s clear that Brits are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency in their home over aesthetic changes so that they have greater control over their emissions. And there is true value in making these changes."

Gavin Murray, Hive and EV Director at British Gas

Over half (55 percent) agree that making our homes sustainable is something that everyone should be thinking about and almost half (47 percent) have already made changes to their current home for the purpose of making it greener. Installing a smart meter (37 percent), adding energy efficient lighting (34 percent), upgrading their roof insulation (33 percent) and installing a water meter (26 percent) were the main changes.

Whilst only 4.5% of the UK own an electric car, with the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being banned in 2030, 4 in 10 (39 percent) said they would like to install an EV charger onto their driveway if they could afford to – demonstrating the move towards making your home more sustainable and fit for a green future.

"Being able to charge from home is not only super convenient but can actually help you to save money in the long run."

Nicki Shields, Formula E reporter and British television presenter

When it comes to being more sustainable, a third (32 percent) say they would be willing to pay an extra £11,730 for a home that was eco-friendly. It’s not just those looking for new homes that desire a greener property. Over two thirds of Brits (69 percent) would be willing to invest in their current home to make it more sustainable as it can help save them money and increase the resale of their home. In fact, data has shown adding smart elements like an EV charger to your home, can increase the value by up to £5,000

When it comes to installing more efficient elements into the home, those surveyed were particularly interested in smart technology, with 87 percent of Brits saying they would love to introduce more smart devices into their homes, citing increased control of energy costs (67 percent) and being able to better track energy usage (63 percent) as the top reason for this change.

“This research shows how important sustainability is in the modern home,” says Gavin Murray, Hive and EV Director at British Gas, who commissioned the study to promote the launch of their new EV charger. “It’s clear that Brits are increasingly prioritising energy efficiency in their home over aesthetic changes so that they have greater control over their emissions. And there is true value in making these changes – as net zero technology from solar panels to smart thermostats and EV chargers, is helping customers to better track their energy usage, set schedules and keep costs down. As electric cars increase in popularity, at home chargers, like our new EV charger, will likely become the norm and worth investing in now.”

Whilst people are interested in installing chargers to their home, common perceptions are putting people off from making the switch. Concerns that EVs aren't able to cover enough miles without recharging (27 percent), that it takes too long to charge (25 percent) and that the price of electricity will soon overtake the price of petrol (21 percent) were all reasons cited.

Formula E reporter and British television presenter Nicki Shields has partnered up with Hive to combat these myths and share why an at home charger is worth considering:

“Being able to charge from home is not only super convenient but can actually help you to save money in the long run – costing around 55% less than public charging and 35% less than running a petrol car***. If you go for a smart charger, like Hive’s new EV charger and exclusive British Gas PeakSave tariff, you can also have greater control over your charging via the smart Hive app where you can schedule and track your usage.”

TOP SELLING POINTS ON A DREAM HOME FOR MODERN BRITS

1. Solar panels	68%
2. Good roof insulation	67%
3. Good thermal wall insulation	63%
4. Smart heating system	62%
5. Energy efficient lighting	59%
6. Smart lighting	56%
7. Triple glazed windows	56%
8. Good natural lighting	53%
9. Energy efficient fridge	51%
10. Energy smart meter	48%
11. Draught proofing	46%
12. A green energy supplier	45%
13. Rainwater harvesting system for the garden	41%
14. Sustainable garden that doesn’t need too much water	40%
15. EV charging station on the driveway	39%
16. Water meter	38%
17. Compost bin	38%
18. Air source heat pump	29%
19. Natural flooring such as bamboo	22%
20. Reclaimed woodwork	21%

NOTES

Research of 2,000 UK based adults commissioned by Hive and conducted by Perspectus Global in March 2023.

*The Eco Experts: Electric Vehicle Statistics: State of the Industry

**National Association of Property Buyers: Property: Homeowners can boost value of home by £5k if they install electric car charger | Express.co.uk

***Calculations based on an electric car with a 60kWh battery driving 200 actual miles on a full charge, charging at home on a standard variable tariff at £0.30/kWh and at a public charger at £0.79p/kWh; petrol calculation based on gov.uk advisory fuel rates (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advisory-fuel-rates) for a petrol car, engine 1.4l-2l

About the new Hive EV Charger:

Hive has launched a new at home charger, the latest addition to its suite of smart home charging products. The new charger, ideal for electric car owners who want to better control and manage their EV charging needs.

The charger was developed in partnership with EO Charging, one of the UK’s leading EV charger manufacturers, and at the size of an A5 notebook is one of the smallest electric car chargers on the market. This follows research by British Gas which reveals 39% are willing to install a home charger to power an EV and more people are increasingly considering their home charging options.

Customers will be able to charge their EVs for less with the new exclusive British Gas PeakSave tariff. which provides off-peak electricity between 12am and 5am at under 10p per kWh.

The charger is available to purchase with installation arranged by British Gas for £1,199 including VAT; or £119 per month via the recently-launched interest-free credit option.

British Gas gives customers a 3-year warranty where it arranges installation; and a 2-year product guarantee on standalone charger sales.

British Gas and Hive are offering all Hive EV charging customers £100 credit back on their first energy bill for switching to an exclusive British Gas PeakSave tariff. New Hive EV charging customers will also receive £50 Hive vouchers to spend on any Hive technology.

For more information, please visit: EO Mini Pro 3 | Electric Car Charger | Hive Home

About Hive:

Hive launched in 2013 and is one of the top smart thermostat providers in the UK. With 1.9 million customers and counting, it is part of British Gas, one of Britain’s leading suppliers of energy and services. Our Hive smart thermostat and other services help our customers manage their energy use, enabling them to lower their carbon footprint. Hive focusses on making everyday life a little easier, freeing people up to spend time doing the things they love. The range of Hive products and services are designed to work together, to offer affordable, easy to use solutions and make a difference in people’s lives. 

Additional data:

One in five (18 percent) say buying a home that is eco-friendly and sustainable is their top priority, with four in ten (44 percent) passionate about making their home as eco-friendly as possible
Natural elements such as good natural lighting (51 percent), compost bin (38 percent), natural flooring (22 percent) and living walls (19 percent) also make the list of top things Brits consider when it comes to their home
Half of respondents (54 percent) would love to make their current home more eco-friendly, while one in three (27 percent) would rather upgrade their current home than move into a new property.
A tenth (11 percent) say they are actively saving money to make their current home more eco-friendly
Only one in ten (nine percent) admit they are not bothered about their home being eco-friendly at all
Classic features such as a pebble dashing (44 percent), carpet throughout the house (31 percent), sash windows (27 percent) and a conservatory are now deemed as outdated and old fashioned.