Sustainability – the new watchword for residential and commercial property

Building green is by no means an emergent trend, but the pandemic along with rising costs has precipitated an increased awareness amongst the general population of the importance of sustainable living and this is now being evidenced in recent buyer preferences as well as new renovation and upgrade trends.

Additionally, with energy costs rising and supply even threatened and the cost of living spiralling, installing energy-saving and generating systems and features like smart cooling technology and building more sustainably are also the most practical options.

Consumer push

These days, developers who produce homes that are not only eco-friendly, but also offer higher quality and better value than other builders, will generally have a competitive edge and, with energy costs rising globally, buyers will certainly be keener to buy properties that are less expensive to run in the long term.

Properties offering energy-efficient solutions and technologies that enable homeowners to reduce electricity consumption and save money are becoming the more desirable properties and, when faced with a choice of homes, buyers are increasingly opting for the one with energy-efficient modifications.

Environmental focus

Green architecture and construction principles increasingly incorporate the conservation of the natural environment and in South Africa this has led to the growing proliferation of eco-estates.

And with more and more people looking to make major lifestyle changes, they are not only moving out of urban centres to escape the hustle and bustle of city living, they are also in search of a better quality, more tranquil lifestyle in harmony with their natural surroundings.

Sustainable materials

Initially, building green was primarily about saving energy, but it’s evolved significantly and there is a greater demand for non-toxic, sustainable products made from more recycled, recyclable, and plant-based materials.

And, while this was initially seen on a very small scale with a few privately built homes adopting these principles, shifting lifestyle and buyer trends have precipitated a growth spurt of eco-building in South Africa.

Homeowners are also more likely to renovate and restore their existing homes and cottages to extend their lifespans, often making them more environmentally friendly in the process.

In the construction sector, concrete has always been considered the most stable and reliable building material but, as buyers have become more environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly building has increased dramatically.

There are now a multitude of sustainable building materials available, from bamboo to composite plastic and these are likely to be increasingly popular features when it comes to selling down the line.

Top trends and products:

Eco-friendly flooring solutions - Whether you’re looking to install cork, bamboo, or even wool carpet, flooring made from sustainable materials is one of the top trends in eco-renovations and refinishing existing hardwood floors is another great green option.

Smart glass windows - Traditionally, curtains and blinds were relied upon to cool homes on hot summer days and smart glass windows operate on the same principle; by adjusting to light levels. In summer, they actively reduce the amount of solar energy entering homes, while in the winter they reflect warmth back in. 

Passive solar design options – These include: installing window shutters, awnings or screens to cool rooms, adding a skylight in the roof to allow natural light into the house and eliminate the need for artificial lighting and installing energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) throughout the house.

Commercial sector

Although ‘green’ building is still a matter of choice in South Africa, revised building regulations promulgated in 2011 stipulate that all new buildings must be constructed in accordance with a prescribed list of energy-efficient specifications relating to aspects such as insulation, water, roofing, lighting and water heating.
The initial outlay may seem prohibitive, but, according to the Green Building Council of South Africa’s (GBCSA) Guide to Costs and Trends Report, energy-efficient buildings now have an average cost premium of only around 5% compared to conventional construction.

This means that the additional outlay is quickly recovered, after which investors have substantial savings on running costs to look forward in the years to come.

And considering that energy-efficient buildings consume about a third less electricity and half the amount of water than un-retrofitted older builds, it makes sense to green build as it not only significantly reduces monthly utility costs but also impacts long-term financial returns.

Looking forward

With energy costs rising steeply and water an increasingly scarce commodity, landlords of older buildings are beginning to realise that it is well worth the capital outlay to refit them with key elements like eco-insulation, energy-efficient lighting water-saving devices.

An additional incentive for those still in two minds about implementing the changes, is the results of recent research which revealed that energy-efficient buildings enjoy higher occupancy levels and higher net incomes and income growth than their older, less energy-efficient counterparts.

If you have any doubts about achieving a return on these investments down the line when you decide to sell, remember that Millennials (consumers under the age of 35) not only account for almost 30% of the population, they are now also the largest home-buying group.

They are also far more concerned about environmental issues than any previous generation and will therefore generally find homes with eco-friendly and energy-efficient features more appealing – now and in the future.