Why should you introduce green elements into your home?

The term 'green' is not a new concept within the property market; however, with electricity pricing pressure, it continues to gain momentum among homebuyers. More and more buyers consider energy efficiency as an important factor when searching for the ideal property. Aside from the cost factor, the reason for this is a movement towards being more environmentally conscience and reducing the household's carbon footprint.

However, going fully green can be costly and challenging. You might want to start by making small changes such as installing energy-efficient lighting. Consistent small changes will add up and make a big difference over time.

Below are 3 small changes you can make to lower your consumption:

1. Appliances are graded from 'A' to 'G' to indicate the energy consumption of the product, with the letter 'A' indicating that it is the most energy-efficient. Over time, replace all your old appliances with more energy efficient options.
2. Replace aged window frames in order to better insulate your home and lower reliance on heating and cooling measures. High-efficiency windows are a better option than those that only just meet energy-efficiency standards.
3. Replace all your faucets with flow-restricting fixtures. When looking at plumbing fittings, only use low-flow water fixtures. Invest in a dual-flush toilet mechanism to lower water consumption.

Why should you go green? 
With residential electricity tariffs increasing annually, South Africans are encouraged to find ways to reduce their household energy consumption, especially because households with higher consumption levels are charged more for the units of electricity that they use.

You also stand to recoup a large percentage of you cost when you sell. According to the NAHB, approximately 61% of homebuyers would be prepared to pay an additional R50,000 to R100,000 on a home that had features that would reduce utility costs. Adding green features can add value to the property and give the seller an added advantage in the market.

Lastly, you should consider going green simply because it is better for the environment and the socially responsible thing to do.