Audrey
According to the World Economic Forum, buildings are responsible for about 40% of worldwide carbon emissions. Most residential buildings are not efficient with their energy use. If you’re considering investing in a new home, you should look into the benefits of sustainable housing.
In the wake of growing environmental concerns, the demand for eco-friendly homes is steadily increasing. The green buildings market is projected to reach over $1.1 trillion by 2032 with a 9.50% CAGR.
The trend for green homes is not just a fleeting fad but a significant shift in the real estate niche. It’s driven by consumer demand, government incentives, and the undeniable benefits of energy efficiency.
Choosing a sustainable home brings many perks that can have a positive impact on your finances, your well-being, and the value of your investment. In this article, you will learn about the reasons to invest in a green home, their prominent features, and tips on how to make a high-quality sustainable home investment.
5 Top Reasons to Invest in a Sustainable Home
Here are the reasons you might want your next property investment to be an eco-friendly home:
Continuous Growth in Demand
The demand for green homes is on the rise. This trend allows eco-friendly house owners to command high prices in the real estate market. Statistics show that homes with solar panels and other eco-friendly features like smart lights can sell faster and for 1.4% more.
Saving Resources & Reducing Running Costs
Buildings that meet the LEED standards emit up to 50% fewer greenhouse gases and save more on energy & utility bills than conventional buildings. Using passive solar design, energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and water-efficient appliances, a sustainable home can save you thousands of dollars in maintenance costs.
Conscious Investing in the Future
Many eco-friendly housing projects are designed as part of a larger, like-minded community. These neighborhoods often share a common commitment to living green. There are also opportunities for social interactions and community events focused on sustainability practices.
By resorting to environment-friendly living, you will encourage your friends and other people to choose sustainable solutions. Many eco-friendly property projects like the Sustainable City have some of the best green real estate Dubai has to offer.
Healthier Living
Sustainable property builders use eco-friendly and toxin-free materials like reclaimed timber, bamboo, zero-VOC paints, and adhesives. Air purifying systems and ventilation are common in eco-friendly homes. The orientation of the home is also important, as it affects a sustainable house’s exposure to natural light and improves indoor temperature.
Financial Benefits of Tax Incentives
Investing in eco-friendly real estate can also be a smart tax move. Authorities, like the Canadian government, have launched several programs and incentives that encourage home buyers to invest in sustainable homes. For example, one of the Canadian programs provides up to $5,000 in funding for energy-efficient improvements to homes. These programs also include tax breaks for buildings with proper insulation, solar panels, or wind turbines.
3 Features of Sustainable Homes
The top three features that every sustainable house should possess:
Energy Efficiency
Eco-friendly real estate employs various energy-sufficient appliances like solar panels, LED lighting, and smart home systems that optimize energy usage. For example, solar panels generate electricity with sunlight, while wind turbines use wind power instead of fossil fuels. You can also install:
- LED lights
- smart thermostats
- heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
- geothermal systems
By adjusting air conditioning, heating, and ventilation settings, automated systems like smart thermostats can optimize energy usage and lower costs. Those appliances also don’t pollute the environment like fossil fuels do by emitting harmful chemicals into the air.
Waste Management and Recycling
Green houses use waste disposal management to minimize waste from building operations and emissions resulting from air pollution. Waste materials that can be composted or recycled are diverted from the waste stream and properly disposed.
Water Efficiency
Technologies like rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and low-flow plumbing fixtures are used to increase water efficiency in sustainable real estate. Rainwater is usually collected from the rooftops and deposited in a reservoir with filtration. This water can be used for gardening and cultivation.
Greywater from bathtubs, showers, or washing machines undergoes filtering, settlement of solids, flotation, separation of lighter solids, and chemical disinfection. Low-flow plumbing fixtures like faucets, shower heads, and toilets are also designed to operate with less water. They play a crucial part in the preservation of freshwater resources.
Examples of Sustainable Homes Around the World
If you want to look at some of the real-life eco-friendly homes, here are a few famous examples:
ZEB Pilot House, Norway
This 2,100-square-feet Norwegian house has a distinctive tilted look. Its orientation maximizes the efficiency of rooftop solar panels. The house’s self-sufficient energy system is complimented by underground energy wells and glass panels that help achieve better passive cooling and heating results. The house includes furniture and ventilation that improve air quality and climate inside.
Fall House, California
California is a sunny state, and this house uses the solar potential of Big Sur hills to the maximum. Its all-around glass walls provide the maximum amount of daylight inside. The house also has radiant hydronic heating that regulates the temperature. The comfort and fresh air indoors are ensured by stack ventilation.
The Sustainable City, Dubai
It’s a real estate project in Dubai that embodies sustainability and eco-friendliness. This community has been purposefully designed to create a harmonious living atmosphere while minimizing its impact on the environment.
The buildings are designed to be eco-friendly, with solar panels generating clean energy. Additionally, the project emphasizes sustainable transportation, with extensive walking and cycling paths and a preference for electric vehicles.
Tips for Choosing Sustainable Housing for Investment
Here are a few general tips that first-time eco-house investors tend to overlook:
Don’t Be Put Off by High Initial Cost
You have to realize that investing in sustainable housing is not a get-rich-quick strategy. For example, energy-efficient windows can cost almost twice as much as a traditional window. But these same windows can result in sharply decreased energy bills over time.
Evaluate Certifications and Standards
If your property meets certain standards of sustainability, it can earn you more money. You have to look for these certifications in your future eco-friendly home:
- LEED
- BREEAM
- ENERGY STAR
If your house is built or renovated according to these standards, you may be able to sell it above market rates.
Consulting With Experts
It’s important to do your research on local regulations, building certifications, financing options, and market trends. By consulting with property experts, you can save time and make more informed decisions about eco-friendly real estate.
Summary
Investing in sustainable property is not an easy route. However, it has multiple financial and environmental benefits compared to regular house options. By taking the time and the necessary considerations, you will ensure that your future home is as green as it gets.
