Ilke launches UK’s first mainstream net zero homes

Modular housing provider ilke Homes has launched the UK’s first net zero homes available to the mainstream market, with capacity for 1,000 homes a year. The factory-built homes promise zero-carbon energy consumption, following trials in Gateshead, Newark, London and Newcastle. Ilke will deliver the homes for investors, housing associations and councils to make available for customers. The modular housing company said the homes will cost consumers nothing in energy, saving a potential £1,000 a year in bills. Homeowners will benefit from avoiding carbon taxes, with long-term investors not having to pay retrofit costs. Dave Sheridan, executive chairman at ilke Homes, said: “Government is rightly pushing construction to drag itself into the 21st century and we need to replicate the successes seen with solar, wind and EVs where industry came together, drove down costs and drove up skills. “We have spent years investing in our factory and this mainstream zero-carbon home is a great example of how the private sector can respond to politicians’ net zero pledges. “There is a huge opportunity here to tackle fuel poverty while helping investors meet their green targets. But we need our supply chain and our partners to work with us. Driving down the cost depends on scale and equally, we need to act now.” Mark Farmer, the government’s champion for modern housebuilding, added: “As efforts ramp up to meet the UK’s net zero carbon targets by 2050, it is going to be vitally important that the housebuilding industry delivers more energy-efficient housing to avoid costly retrofitting programmes later down the line. Achieving this will require a greater focus on high- quality factory-based production.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@eg.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @EGPropertyNews Images from ilke homes