Green technology at home is no longer a niche market. You’ll see it every day. More and more of your peers are telling you about their plan to install solar panels in their homes. They complain about the high energy bills they receive. So, they got solar panels to save on electricity costs. If you have plans to build a house or renovate your current home, look into the benefits of having an eco-friendly home.
Your home should not only save on energy costs but in its consumption of water, too. If you ever feel guilty about owning a swimming pool, know that you can install a swimming pool water recycling system. What the system does is to treat and process the existing water in the pool then release it back to the pool. This eliminates the need to frequently drain and change the water in your swimming pool.
Beyond monetary savings, there are other reasons why you should go green in your home investments. Since green materials are fast becoming the choice of many homeowners, they should no longer be overlooked. You should actually first consider using only environment-friendly materials in your home than going with conventional construction materials and processes.
Boost in Resale Value
It is easier to sell green homes or homes that have energy-efficient and environment-friendly technologies. Research said that 32% of homebuyers are Millennials, a group that prioritizes energy-efficient features in a home more than any other generation. But even homebuyers from other generations are willing to pay up when the home has energy-efficient features built into it.
For example, homebuyers are willing to shell out $15,000 for homes with an average-sized solar photovoltaic system. The appraisal value of green homes is also up by 10%. Homes with sustainable certifications from LEEDS or Green Star also have premium prices of more than 30% of their usual value.
Think of your own plans to build or renovate a home. If a contractor says you only need an additional $10,000 to make your home environmentally sustainable, wouldn’t you do it? Wouldn’t you take that plunge, too?
Need for Sustainability
Now more than ever, people understand the importance of environmental sustainability. You saw what happened in Australia last summer, as well as the polar vortex on the East Coast in winter. These scenarios in the news should already show that you have to do your part in preserving the environment.
Scientists and engineers have developed technologies and construction materials to stop the debilitating effects of the construction industry on the environment. Why should you ignore these developments and continue to use materials and processes that hurt the Earth?
Various nations, as well as leading international organizations, have signed up on efforts against climate change. As responsible citizens, you should do your part, too. Choosing earth-friendly materials for the construction of your home directly affects the quality of your life and that of your family.
Higher Quality of Life
A house that is built to improve the environment will also improve the quality of life of the people living in it. The benefits of a green home are very direct: improved indoor air quality, less indoor pollutants, and less toxins. Improving indoor air quality reduces the risks of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. That’s tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of savings in health care needs.
People spend more than 93% of their time indoors. Even at work and in commute, they rarely get to breath fresh air. The use of green construction materials means there are less pollutants inside the home. That benefits the occupants because pollutants and toxins can cause several cardiovascular problems, as well as some types of cancer.
Marketing Leverage
If you want to sell your home in the future, you wouldn’t have a hard time marketing it if it’s made of green materials. More and more homebuyers want to own a green home. They understand its value to their health, pockets, and the environment. Green buildings are more sought-after than traditional ones even if the latter have better offers.
Because of this, you can get your investment faster. On average, a house on the market stays there between 65 and 93 days. Greener homes sell faster because of the modern amenities it offers homebuyers.
You don’t need to make a huge investment in your home for it to become eco-friendly. Small upgrades and renovations are enough to help boost its value. You cannot lose with a green home. You reap the rewards in health, value, marketability, and environmental protection.