Recent years have shown a rise in consumer preference shifting towards more ecologically friendly products and solutions. Among its many factors are a heightened awareness of environmental concerns such as climate change and sustainability, as well as practicality.
This shift in habits has affected several industries, including the real estate market. That being said, many developers have acknowledged this trend and have begun following suit—providing living spaces that promote health and wellness for their owners while also meeting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria.
Whether the property is a house or a condominium unit, it goes without saying that there are certain non-negotiables that neither can be without. These include features and fixtures such as comfortable sleeping and living quarters, an accessible kitchen, clean bathrooms and laundry areas, access to scenery, and reliable utilities.
While these features can be taken at face value for their aesthetic appeal, it’s important for buyers to understand that sustainable homes are part of an ecosystem geared towards long-term benefits for themselves as well as for the environment. Below are some of the benefits such homes provide.
Organic Materials
Furniture and building materials such as wood or other naturally-sourced materials are among the top of mind when people hear the word organic in the context of real estate and design. However, sustainable home construction goes beyond that and includes the use of reclaimed wood and other recycled materials for use in furniture, flooring and fixtures, and even certain structural components. This extra step ensures reduced costs on construction and manufacturing, while also having a low environmental impact by making use of already-existing materials that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Eco-Friendly Amenities
On a larger scale, these translate to green spaces such as gardens, parks, and other open-air recreational areas. But when it comes to the home, they refer to features that add to the quality of life and comfort of its residents. Windows, for one, not only widen the spaces they’re in by providing a view of the outside world, but also grant access to natural light and fresh air. Backyards and balconies allow gardens to be set up which can be treated as pastimes or spaces to relax and take a break from technology-saturated environments. Such amenities don’t just bring nature and wellness into a home, they also help reduce energy consumption where possible.
Energy-Efficient Designs
Adding to the above, energy-efficient designs incorporate the use of smart home systems and Energy Star-rated appliances that provide greater savings on water and electricity. These range from low-flow toilets to air-conditioning and refrigeration units that regulate energy consumption while maintaining a certain standard. Smart lighting and automation, while seemingly negligible, add up over time towards financial and environmental savings.
All these contribute to a lower carbon footprint and provide significant savings while catering to the ambiance and luxuries expected of a modern home. So while location and overall aesthetics are still major criteria in any buyer’s decision-making process, the value sustainable homes adds can be the little nudge they need to seal the deal.
Considerations such as these make sustainable real estate an investment opportunity for buyers—not just simply in their future home, but also in the future of the world we live in.
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