Choose a ‘green’ scheme and future-proof your investment

The demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly homes is growing rapidly, and choosing to live in a community housing scheme can be one of the best ways for homebuyers to satisfy their preference for sustainable living.

That’s the word from Andrew Schaefer, MD of property management company Trafalgar, who says that community schemes such as Sectional Title (ST) complexes, gated estates and retirement villages are often uniquely positioned to adopt “green” technologies and shared infrastructure that reduce both individual costs and collective environmental impact, and are set to become the cornerstone of South Africa’s sustainable housing future.

“Steep electricity and water tariff increases, combined with frequent supply challenges, are prompting more and more SA buyers to seek homes that are more self-sufficient. In addition, as in other parts of the world, there is rising interest in living sustainably in homes that create a smaller carbon footprint by making more efficient use of natural resources and minimising waste generation.

“Community housing schemes can help them achieve these goals through shared technologies and facilities. For example, centralised or rooftop solar installations can provide renewable energy to multiple units or at least to all communal areas and services, while boreholes and rainwater storage facilities can ensure a steady and more affordable water supply.”

Another important advantage of modern ST and estate developments, he says, is the emphasis on eco-conscious construction or “green” building. “Increasingly, new projects are being designed and built in line with the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification system. This globally recognised standard encourages developers and builders to achieve at least 20% savings in energy, water and materials compared to conventional buildings, with the aim of delivering measurable environmental benefits as well as long-term cost reductions.

“More fundamentally, SA’s National Building Regulations include dedicated green building provisions that guide developers in integrating sustainability from the ground up. These include energy performance requirements as well as the use of efficient building materials, water-saving plumbing systems and natural ventilation and lighting.”

Schaefer notes that many developers are already going even further by adding such features as gas-powered heat pumps to supply hot water, bulk recycling facilities and landscaping that supports local biodiversity while reducing irrigation needs.

“Meanwhile, it is both possible and highly beneficial for older schemes to retrofit green technologies. Upgrades such as improved insulation and the installation of large solar arrays and water-saving devices can be undertaken at scale in such schemes, allowing residents to reduce acquisition costs while enjoying enhanced comfort, lower utility bills, and increased property values.  

“Indeed, homebuyers who choose to live in ‘green’ communities are not only contributing to a broader – and growing – national effort towards resource conservation and sustainable urban growth, but future-proofing their own investments as sustainability increasingly becomes the new benchmark for modern housing.”

To ensure this, he says, prospective homebuyers should look out for the following “green” features when considering a purchase in a community housing scheme:

• Energy-efficient design, including thermal insulation, natural lighting and ventilation and renewable energy systems.

• Inbuilt durability, which will ensure that buildings offer better resistance to weather and require lower maintenance and fewer repairs. This will reduce long-term costs and environmental impact.

• In new developments, the use of sustainable (and non-toxic) building materials that are locally sourced, recycled, or have low embodied energy, as well as waste-reduction practices during construction.

• Optimised lighting in shared areas through the use of LED fittings, timers and motion sensors to reduce unnecessary electricity use.

• Bulk waste recycling and garbage disposal facilities. 

• Water efficiency measures including low-flow taps and showerheads, systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, water-wise gardens with indigenous plants and automated irrigation systems with rain sensors. Many schemes are now investing in boreholes to provide a reliable supplementary water source, often linked to solar power systems to ensure continued operation in the event of electricity outages.

Issued by the Trafalgar Property Group