Earth Day is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. First launched in 1970, it now mobilises over one billion people worldwide each year. As your Sussex Property Experts, we believe in highlighting practical solutions that can make a real impact.

The UK is making significant strides in renewable energy. Last year, the closing of the last coal power station was a landmark achievement. Offshore wind farms, such as Rampion off the Sussex coast, are helping to power homes with clean energy, with further developments planned in the North Sea, Scotland, and Wales.

But while national progress is crucial, local action matters too. There are plenty of ways to make your home more energy-efficient and contribute to a greener future. Whether it’s generating your own renewable energy or joining a community initiative, small changes can make a big difference.

From bustling city streets to the rolling Sussex countryside, homes across the UK have huge potential to harness renewable energy. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, tenant, or developer, there are smart, sustainable solutions that can help cut carbon emissions and create a more energy-efficient world.

In this article, we explore the key clean energy options available—helping you make informed choices that benefit both the planet and your property.

A great first step in improving your home's energy efficiency is insulation, one of the simplest ways to cut heat loss and lower energy bills. With the UK committed to reaching net zero by 2050, there’s never been a better time to consider your options.

Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating plays a key role in energy efficiency and cost savings. According to Rightmove, homes with an EPC rating of F pay an average of £2,631 more per year on energy bills compared to those rated C. While upgrading insulation requires an upfront investment, it pays off in the long run and help is available!

The Great British Insulation Scheme, introduced in 2023, offers free or discounted insulation for homes with an EPC rating of D to G. This can cover wall and roof insulation, keeping your home warmer in winter, reducing bills, and cutting carbon emissions.

While insulation is a crucial first step, there are other smart ways to cut energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. One of the most effective options is solar panels. By generating and storing electricity, they help power your home sustainably, bringing you closer to net zero while also lowering your energy bills.

Although installation costs can be significant, the long-term savings make solar a worthwhile investment. On average, homeowners break even within 10 years, with savings of around £320 per year. The upfront cost is typically £5,000 for panels alone, plus an additional £3,000 for a battery.

There are also financial incentives to help maximise your returns. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) allows homeowners to sell excess electricity back to the national grid, earning money for unused energy. A smart meter calculates how much power is returned, ensuring you get the most from your solar setup.

Biodiversity loss is a growing concern in the UK, with 54% of native plant species in decline as of 2023. This impacts entire ecosystems, as many animals rely on these plants for survival. Protecting and restoring habitats, especially in urban areas, is crucial.

Local parks, such as St Ann’s Well Gardens, play a vital role in conserving native plant species and creating safe spaces for wildlife. However, roads and built-up areas fragment these habitats, making cities challenging environments for many species. One simple yet effective way to help is by planting native species in your own garden. Wildflowers, for example, support essential pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Gardening also offers a sustainable way to reduce your environmental impact. Growing your own food, such as tomatoes, which have a high carbon footprint when commercially farmed, helps cut down on food miles and reduces reliance on industrial pesticides. Small changes at home can contribute to a healthier, more resilient environment.

At Oakley Property, we believe the future of housing must be both high-quality and environmentally responsible. That’s why we work closely with forward-thinking developers to bring energy-efficient, A-rated EPC homes to the market. From high-performance insulation to renewable energy integration, we’re committed to delivering properties that offer both comfort and long-term value.

Whether you’re looking for a new-build home with cutting-edge efficiency or seeking advice on upgrading your existing property, our expert team is here to help. Together, we can make sustainable living a reality.

Below, we’ve hand-picked the standout eco-friendly homes from our current portfolio, each designed to reduce energy consumption and support a greener future.

Perfectly situated on Hove Seafront with idyllic views of the sea, Argentum is a great eco friendly option. Across the road, Hove lawns offers a fantastic green space for residents, while the inside offers air source heat pumps, perfect for enjoying the location at any time in the year.

A landmark development in Lewes, The Chalk Yard blends historic character with cutting-edge sustainability. Designed with carbon-zero credentials, this thoughtfully restored development reimagines existing structures into contemporary, energy-efficient homes.

Each property is built for next-level sustainability, featuring air source heat pumps, solar panels, triple glazing, high-performance insulation, underfloor heating, and mechanical ventilation heat recovery systems, all contributing to an impressive EPC A rating. 

Nestled in the picturesque village of Ovingdean, The Orchard is a collection of six luxury, eco-conscious 4-bedroom homes designed for sustainable living without compromise. Set within a private woodland backdrop, these architecturally striking residences offer a rare blend of cutting-edge efficiency, contemporary design, and seamless indoor-outdoor living.

Set within a plastic-free village committed to sustainability, The Orchard is part of an active biodiversity conservation network and a community energy project.

Set within a gated private development in the heart of the Adur Valley, Twineham Grange Farm is a collection of just six A-rated, designer eco homes, offering an unparalleled blend of sustainability, luxury, and countryside charm. 

Sustainability is at the heart of The Farriers. This boutique eco home is equipped with an air source heat pump, whole-house ventilation and heat recovery, and PV solar panels, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency. Underfloor heating, smart thermostats, and evergreen vertical planting further enhance its eco credentials, while off-road parking with an electric vehicle charging point makes sustainable living effortless. With a predicted EPC rating of “A”, The Farriers is designed for a greener future.

A green mortgage is a type of home loan that rewards buyers for choosing energy-efficient properties. These mortgages often come with lower interest rates, cashback incentives, or increased affordability, making sustainable homeownership more accessible.

Lenders offer green mortgages to encourage buyers to invest in homes with a high Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically B or above. The reasoning is simple, energy-efficient homes use less power, lower carbon emissions, and cost less to run. With rising energy prices and growing environmental concerns, green mortgages provide a financial and eco-friendly solution.

By purchasing an energy-efficient home, you could qualify for a green mortgage and enjoy long-term savings while reducing your impact on the planet. This Earth Day, consider making a smart investment in both your future and the environment.

To learn all about green mortgages, read our blog here.

As a full service property firm, our commitments and awareness go far beyond residential and new homes. We are proud to have a long-standing relationship as the sole agent for Shoreham Port, one of the most environmentally proactive ports in the world. As one of only two UK ports to achieve full audited and reviewed status under the Port Environmental Review System (PERS), it continues to set the standard for sustainability in the maritime sector.

Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of Shoreham Port’s operations, from transitioning heavy machinery to low-emission fuel to adopting electric vehicles. Its pioneering emissions tracker helps drive real change, while Sea Bins work around the clock to remove waste and protect marine biodiversity. Their water source heat pump at Maritime House saves around 70 tonnes of carbon annually, and a similarly large amount of air quality emissions from entering the atmosphere. As a Trust Port, Shoreham is also advancing renewable energy, reinforcing the region’s commitment to a greener future.

Sustainability is no longer a choice; it’s an essential part of modern living. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, developer or investor, making eco-conscious decisions today will benefit both your property and the planet tomorrow. At Oakley Property, we’re committed to helping you find homes and commercial property that align with your values and future-proof your investment.

If you’re looking for a home that balances comfort, efficiency, and sustainability, explore our eco-friendly properties or speak to our expert team for advice on making your home greener. Get in touch today!

✉️ lewes@oakleyproperty.com

📞 01273 487444

✉️ shoreham@oakleyproperty.com

📞 01273 661577

✉️ brighton@oakleyproperty.com

📞 01273 688881

✉️ info@oakleyproperty.com

📞 01273 688882