Housing is one of the biggest polluters and contributor to carbon footprints. And although it is not the most obvious culprit, it affects our environment and adds to pollution.
Our homes have a significant impact on our carbon footprint, including how and where it's built. Therefore, the realty sector stretches its arm to embrace the green concept.
What is Green Architecture?
This move from the real estate sector is not just to provide amenities to lure customers. It is also a way to fight climate change and virtually eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.
Developers, designers, and owners utilize various ways to reduce not just the operating costs but also the environmental impacts on buildings. At the same time, it also increases the appeal and functionality to occupants.
Green architecture involves incorporating 'green' features in buildings and is one of the growing trends in the sector. This is because people are more conscious about the environment today.
Although some still see these changes as unnecessary expenditures, these environment-friendly practices provide numerous benefits.
Immediate savings
Property owners benefit from green architecture when looking into rebates, grants, tax breaks, and incentives given by state and federal governments. Technologies such as wind power, fuel cells, and solar power are rapidly evolving, and incorporating such technologies into your infrastructure will qualify you for green credits.
Conservation of water
The fact the water is not a renewable source makes it more important to conserve water. The real estate sector came up with several solutions to conserve water. Some of them include permeable pavements, rain gardens, cisterns, timed irrigation systems, low-flow toilets, sink aerators, and green roofs.
Energy savings
Another benefit of incorporating green features in buildings is it can reduce energy consumption. It is done by hiring green professionals and installing smart technology.
These systems can adjust connected devices such as thermostats and lightings automatically. It provides significant power savings to property owners.
Increase rent rates
Additional income can be generated from commercial properties by adding green features and technology. The demands for healthier, cleaner, and energy-efficient real estate continue to increase, which are then accompanied by a proportional increase in rent rates.
Organic farming
This trend also urged developers to provide an organic farming facility within apartment premises. Organic farming produces foods with more nutrients compared to conventional crops. This type of farming also prohibits the use of chemical pesticides commonly utilized in conventional farming.
As the real estate sector entered a new era, developers are not only focusing on creating houses. They are building homes that are addressing more than just the homeowner's basic needs. Green architecture is something that's lacking in most homes and infrastructures over the last two centuries.
Developers are continuously seeking solutions to minimize carbon footprints in creating homes. Applying green architecture techniques will contribute to the sustainable development of real estate. This concept also promotes a better environment for tenants, employees, visitors. At the same time, the real estate sector is doing its part in world preservation for future generations.
