5 Eco-Friendly Home Features to Look for in 2024
Essential Real Estate Insights
The modern era has witnessed rising demands for environmental conservation, especially in the construction and real estate industries. India's housing sector is focusing towards sustainable development due to the environmental impact caused by construction activities. As a result, homebuyers are inclined to choose eco-friendly homes over traditional properties. Tick off these top 5 features while buying a new eco-friendly home in 2024.
Sustainable Building Materials
When looking for an eco-friendly house, start by considering the type of material used during the construction. Sustainable materials such as cork, bamboo, and recycled steel or plastic offer excellent durability without harming the environment. Renewable home-building materials highly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the use of traditional materials. Eco-friendly materials also add to the aesthetics of your home by giving it a fresh and unique look. In fact, government authorities like IGBC and GRIHA are offering monetary and tax benefits to developers to promote the use of sustainable materials. Choosing a green home ultimately helps towards the sustainable development of India.
Natural Ventilation and Lighting
The best way to create an energy-efficient home is by allowing fresh air and sunlight into your living space. Installing large windows in areas receiving maximum sunlight can make your home naturally lit and warmer. The use of natural materials like wood, earth, or rock can also improve ventilation and keep your home cooler in all seasons. Having well-insulated living spaces helps avoid or minimise the use of conventional electrical heating or cooling appliances. Minimal use of such appliances reduces your property's annual greenhouse emissions. Additionally, painting rooms with lighter shades and placing mirrors on the walls are some excellent ways to keep a room well-lit.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Modern houses are equipped with several electrical appliances to make life easier. However, these appliances may not be environmentally friendly. While you can't avoid using these appliances, you can choose their energy-efficient alternatives to make your home more earth-friendly. Many smart home appliances use advanced technologies to optimise their energy usage. WiFi-enabled refrigerators track food inventory, while AI-powered washing machines control the water levels based on the load. These unique features can minimise energy waste while performing their specific functions. Choose ENERGY STAR® certified appliances as they meet the energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Prioritise Water Conservation
Water scarcity is a major concern in many parts of the country due to the uneven distribution of rainfall. Thus, an environmentally friendly house must be equipped with water-conservative features. Opt for sustainable house designs with low-flow fixtures fitted in kitchens and washrooms to reduce water consumption. Water-efficient faucets and shower heads in bathrooms can also help minimise water wastage. Installing rainwater harvesting systems and incorporating drought-resistant landscaping are great ways to save, store, and utilise excess water.
Smart Home Solutions
While it may sound intimidating, smart homes can have eco-friendly home features as well. Motion-powered LED lighting systems can help save 75% energy consumption compared to incandescent light bulbs. Additionally, a smart home thermostat allows you to keep your interiors at ideal temperatures while saving energy. Setting up energy monitoring systems provides you with the ability to track and control your home's energy consumption. It helps you figure out which appliances consume the most energy and use them more efficiently. Looking for an eco-friendly home connected to the city's modern lifestyle? Sonigara Corp’s premium residential projects are located around Pune's prime locations, including Wakad, Moshi and Ravet. Dive into their ongoing or completed projects here.