Building regulation updates and our commitment to sustainability have rapidly transformed our homes. They are now significantly more energy-efficient and have a lower operational carbon impact - great news for our customers, communities, and the planet. Our commitment to energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint has resulted in homes that are not only comfortable and stylish but also have a lower impact on the planet and could reduce your energy bills.
New build homebuyers save an average of £979 a year on energy bills.
On average, new build homeowners could save more than £64 a month on their heating, hot water and lighting bills, amounting to £780 a year, compared with purchasers of older properties. This saving rises to £82 per month when comparing the energy performance of houses specifically, rather than flats or bungalows, totalling over £979 a year, according to the HBF Watt a Save Report, updated Jan 2025.
Cala is transitioning to gas-free heating systems such as air and ground source heat pumps. In these instances, the radiators we use are sized to suit a low-temperature heating system to ensure they run more efficiently. Where our developments remain on gas, our customers will benefit from A-rated gas boilers to minimise energy use and wastage. Many of our homes feature smart heating thermostats to give you better control over your energy use.
Our homes are designed to use less water without compromising function. Features include flow control shower heads and taps, dual-flush toilets and modern appliances that require less water. With a Cala home, where homes are metered, you could save 26% on water use or approximately £126 a year in water bills (HBF Watersave Report 2024) versus a UK average, while maintaining the temperature, flow and pressure you require.
Our homes are fitted with low-energy LED lighting. In our Light & Space range of homes, you’ll find high ceilings and thoughtful window design to flood your home with natural light.
We specify modern, highly efficient appliances which incorporate features like smart sensors and optimised cycles to help our customers to reduce energy consumption.
Our expert designers are continually improving Cala homes to maximise efficiency and maintain consistent temperatures year-round. With features like optimal insulation, highly efficient heat pumps or A-rated gas boilers and argon filled double-glazing, our homes stay warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and could cost less to run.
Most Cala homes achieve an energy performance rating of B or above, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
At Cala, we’ve looked at our own specific house type designs and fabric, to show the benefits of opting for a newly built Cala home over one constructed just 21 or even 8 years ago. The majority of Cala homes built today offer average fabric values that are at least 37% better than 2002.
Our new homes offer advanced insulation compared to older properties. With properly insulated cavity walls, homeowners can save energy and cut costs from heating bills.
On average our insulation is at least 27% (and up to 37%) better than it was in 2002.
Our homes feature high performance doors and windows. All windows and external doors feature argon-filled double glazing to enhance energy efficiency and soundproofing. Argon, a colourless, odourless, non-toxic gas, is denser than air, making it an excellent insulator that reduces heat loss and improves a window's energy rating. It also provides better soundproofing and is less prone to condensation due to its lower moisture content.
Draught proofing, also known as thermal bridging enhancements, is the process of sealing gaps around windows, doors and floors to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. This is one of the most effective ways we ensure you conserve the energy use in your home. Cala homes consistently perform better than the minimum air permeability required by legislation.
The fabric of your Cala home is more airtight and energy-efficient than ever, thanks to improved insulation, draught-proofing, and double-glazed windows. To maintain air quality, features like trickle vents, extractor fans, and mechanical systems remove moisture from everyday activities such as cooking, washing and breathing. They provide continuous ventilation, extracting stale, moisture-laden air and supplying fresh air.
Our home layouts are continuously refined to incorporate thoughtful design elements, maximise light and space, and reduce energy consumption and overheating.
Our homes incorporate the latest sustainable technologies where possible, such as solar (PV) panels and air source heat pumps, to maximise energy efficiency. Every Cala home comes with an electric vehicle charging point (or provision), ensuring our customers are equipped for a greener, electric future.
