Homes of The Future

Since 1990, the UK has made remarkable progress in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half. Meanwhile, renewable energy has become the most cost-effective power source for two-thirds of the planet. This shift toward clean energy is transforming industries historically known for high pollution levels. Today, nearly all major automakers are producing zero-emission vehicles, thanks to rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology and its supporting infrastructure.

Manufacturing industries that rely heavily on fossil fuels still require vast amounts of energy, and households across the UK are no exception. In 2018 alone, UK households consumed over 105 billion kWh of electricity, equivalent to approximately 40 million tonnes of oil. This growing demand has spurred new-build developers to focus on creating homes that are more energy-efficient than ever before. Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 requires not only renewable energy sources but also drastically improving the efficiency of homes to reduce overall energy consumption across the nation.

 

Predicting the Future

Throughout history, we've often imagined the future in ways that seem almost comical today—like time machines or weather-protected cities under giant glass domes. However, some futuristic concepts are closer to reality than we might think:

• Automated Warehouses – modern warehouses increasingly use robotics to improve efficiency, allowing robots to move goods autonomously without human intervention.
• Smart Watches with Video Capabilities – we're already living in a world where smartwatches can play videos, blending convenience with entertainment.
• Self-Driving Cars – Tesla's vehicles in the US already utilize autonomous driving software, though this isn't yet legal in the UK.

While we can only speculate about what homes will look like in 2050, current technological advancements offer some hints. We asked British citizens about their thoughts on the future of homes. Here’s what they had to say.

 

Homes of the Future

27% Believe Wind Turbines Could Be a Feature in Homes by 2050

From 2009 to 2020, electricity generated by wind power skyrocketed by 715%, thanks in part to the world's largest offshore wind farm, located just off the coast of Yorkshire. In 2020, the UK generated 75,610 gigawatt-hours of electricity from wind power, enough to power 8.4 trillion LED light bulbs.

As wind energy continues to replace fossil fuels, the International Energy Agency predicts that 90% of global electricity generation will come from renewable sources by 2050, with solar and wind contributing 70% of that total.

 

39% of Brits Think Rainwater Collection Devices Will Be Commonplace by 2050

On average, each person in England uses 141 liters of water daily. With a population of around 56 million, daily water usage in England totals close to 7.9 billion liters. As the population grows and temperatures rise, water supplies will likely decrease while demand increases. By 2050, the UK’s water system may need an additional 3.3 billion liters per day to meet everyday needs.

To address this challenge, water companies are exploring various solutions, including rainwater harvesting systems to reclaim water for non-potable uses like gardening.

 

31% of UK Residents Expect EV Charging Points in Future Homes

This trend is already underway. Electric vehicles are gaining traction in the UK, making up 11.6% of new car sales in 2022 and over 15% in the first quarter. Recognizing this shift, the government has mandated that all new builds must include electric vehicle charging points.

 

28% Predict Increased Recycling Opportunities

According to UK waste statistics, household waste totaled 27,000 tonnes in 2020, with 12,000 tonnes recycled—a recycling rate of 44%. To reduce reliance on incineration and landfills, investment in waste-sorting facilities and recycling centers must continue to grow.

 

44% of Brits Think Solar Panels Will Be Standard in All Homes by 2050

As of May 2022, the UK has installed 13.9 gigawatts of solar capacity across more than 1.1 million installations. This represents a 2.2% increase compared to May 2021 and accounts for 28% of the UK’s renewable energy supply in 2021. Just ten years ago, in May 2011, the UK had only 167 megawatts of installed solar capacity—just 1.2% of today’s total.

Given the rapid growth in solar installations across the UK, it’s unsurprising that so many Britons believe solar panels will become standard in new homes by 2050. Installing solar panels not only helps cut energy costs but also reduces your carbon footprint. For example, a single home solar panel setup can prevent one tonne of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere annually.

Ready to embrace solar power? Get in touch with us today to start your solar journey!