In recent years, the trend toward sustainability has been making waves in the housing market, with an increasing number of homes being advertised as “sustainable” to attract potential buyers who are conscious of their domestic eco-footprint and its impact on the environment. But what exactly does it mean for a home to be sustainable, and how can you tell if a property truly lives up to that label?
One way to assess a home’s sustainability is through its energy rating, which can be obtained through organizations like the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and Green Star. These ratings consider factors such as a home’s insulation, ventilation, and heating and cooling systems, as well as its energy consumption and emissions. Similarly, state governments may have their own methods for rating a home’s sustainability, while the National Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) offers an online calculator that assesses a property’s energy and water usage based on the previous year’s utility bills.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable home, there are several key features to look for.
Solar Panels –
Solar panels are a highly visible feature of sustainable homes, although they alone are not enough to make a property truly sustainable. In Australia, in particular, there are more homes with solar panels per capita than anywhere else in the world.
Passive Design –
Passive design is one of the most important elements of a sustainable home. The aim is to create a living space that requires minimal heating and cooling, which can be achieved by maximizing natural light and ventilation. Aligned windows, louvre windows, and other ventilation systems can be signs of passive design.
Insulation –
Proper insulation is another key feature of a sustainable home. High-quality roof insulation, in particular, can make a significant difference in reducing heating and cooling costs. However, it’s important to note that insulation batts can lose their thermal qualities over time, so it’s important to ensure that they are still effective.
Greywater Systems –
A greywater system is an effective feature for reducing water usage. It recycles wastewater from laundry, bathrooms, and showers and can be used to irrigate gardens and for other non-potable uses.
Rainwater Harvesting Systems –
Rainwater harvesting systems can help to reduce water bills and usage by capturing rainwater for use in irrigating gardens and for other non-potable uses.
Water-Smart Toilets –
Water-smart toilets are designed to use less water, with an efficiency rating of 4 or more.
By incorporating these features into your next home, you can make a significant contribution to reducing your environmental impact and living more sustainably.
If you require any further assistance in preparing your home for sale, please contact our Negotiators today!