Sustainability Checklist for One-Off New Build Houses

Designed by Natureworks Design

Why Sustainability Matters in Architecture

At Natureworks, we believe every new home should not only provide comfort and joy but also tread lightly on the planet. Designing with sustainability in mind reduces energy bills, improves health and wellbeing, and protects natural resources for future generations.

Building regulations set a minimum standard — but our approach goes further. We push the boundaries of sustainable design to create homes that are smarter, healthier, and more future-proof.

Our Approach

  • As standard: Every Natureworks project is designed to go beyond current UK Building Regulations on energy efficiency and sustainability.

  • Optional extras: Think of the following list as a “sustainability shopping list” — you can pick and choose the elements that align with your budget, lifestyle, and environmental goals.

Sustainability Checklist for Your New Build Home

Energy & Heating

  • Fabric-first approach (high-performance insulation, airtightness)

  • Passive solar design (optimised orientation & shading)

  • Triple glazing and thermally broken frames

  • Heat pumps (air-source or ground-source)

  • Underfloor heating with smart zoning

  • Solar PV panels with battery storage

  • Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR)

  • Smart energy monitoring system

Water

  • Low-flow taps, showers, and dual-flush toilets

  • Rainwater harvesting system (garden or household use)

  • Greywater recycling system

  • Permeable paving and sustainable drainage (SuDS)

Materials & Construction

  • Sustainably sourced timber (FSC-certified)

  • Low-carbon concrete alternatives (e.g., GGBS, geopolymer)

  • Natural insulation (wood fibre, hemp, sheep’s wool)

  • Reclaimed or recycled materials where possible

  • Locally sourced materials to reduce transport emissions

Biodiversity & Landscape

  • Native tree and planting schemes

  • Wildlife-friendly features (bat boxes, bird bricks, bee hotels)

  • Green roofs or living walls

  • Permeable surfaces to encourage natural drainage

  • Productive gardens (edible planting, kitchen gardens)

Health & Wellbeing

  • Maximised daylight and natural ventilation

  • Low-VOC paints and finishes

  • Acoustic insulation for comfort and calm

  • Connection to nature through views, courtyards, and planting

Future-Proofing

  • Electric vehicle charging point

  • Smart home integration for energy efficiency

  • Flexible spaces designed for changing needs

  • Adaptable design for lifetime use

Aspirations for Truly Sustainable Homes

Beyond individual features, some clients want to aim for recognised whole-house sustainability standards. These are more ambitious — but they create homes that lead the way in design, comfort, and environmental performance.

Passivhaus

  • An international design standard focused on ultra-low energy use.

  • Achieved through excellent insulation, airtightness, MVHR, and passive solar design.

  • Homes typically need little or no traditional heating.

Net Zero in Operation

  • A home that produces as much renewable energy as it consumes in day-to-day running (heating, lighting, appliances).

  • Usually achieved with a combination of energy efficiency and on-site renewables.

True Net Zero (Whole Life Carbon)

  • Goes further by considering embodied carbon (from materials, construction, maintenance, and eventual demolition).

  • A true net zero home balances operational energy and the carbon impact of the building itself.

At Natureworks, we can explore these pathways with you, depending on your ambitions, budget, and site potential.

Next Steps

When we design your home, we’ll walk through this checklist with you — highlighting what we include as standard, and which extras or aspirations you might want to invest in to take your project further.

By making these choices at design stage, you can lock in long-term savings, comfort, and sustainability, while creating a home that reflects both your values and your lifestyle.