What are the Benefits of Sustainable Building Design as a Property Investor?

Sustainable building, also known as “green building” or “eco-friendly building,” is an approach to construction that prioritizes environmental and social responsibility. Sustainable building seeks to minimize the environmental impact of construction, reduce energy and water consumption, and improve the health and well-being of building occupants. Here are some ways sustainable building works.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability in all areas of life, including building construction. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment, and many people are now taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes choosing sustainable products and services, including sustainable building materials and practices.

Consumers are also increasingly willing to pay a premium for sustainable building products and services. A survey conducted by the Housing Industry Association found that nearly half of home buyers are willing to pay more for a home that is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Here are some key points that I have found from building & designing sustainable homes:

1. Reduced Energy Costs: Sustainable buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, which means that customers can save money on their energy bills over time. By using energy-efficient features such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, and passive solar design, sustainable buildings can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional buildings. This can result in lower utility bills for customers and can help to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality: Sustainable buildings often use non-toxic materials, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Many traditional building materials, such as paints and adhesives, contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact indoor air quality. Sustainable buildings use materials that are free from harmful chemicals and can help to create a healthier indoor environment for occupants.
3. Lower Water Bills: Sustainable buildings are designed to be water-efficient, which can result in lower water bills for customers. By using low-flow fixtures, water-efficient landscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems, sustainable buildings can significantly reduce water consumption compared to traditional buildings. This can result in lower water bills for customers and can help to conserve water resources.
4. Increased Property Value: Sustainable buildings have a higher property value compared to traditional buildings, as they are often in higher demand among buyers. As more customers become aware of the benefits of sustainable building, the demand for sustainable buildings is likely to increase, which will result in higher property values.
5. Enhanced Comfort: Sustainable buildings often incorporate features such as natural ventilation, which can improve indoor comfort for occupants. By using features such as daylighting, thermal comfort, and acoustics, sustainable buildings can help to create a more comfortable and enjoyable indoor environment for occupants.
6. Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable building practices help to reduce the environmental impact of construction, which can help to protect the environment for future generations. By using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and minimizing energy and water consumption, sustainable buildings can significantly reduce their environmental impact compared to traditional buildings.
7. Healthier Living Spaces: Sustainable buildings are designed to promote health and wellness, with features such as daylighting, which can improve mental and physical well-being. By using natural light, healthy building materials, and incorporating features such as green spaces and vegetable gardens, sustainable buildings can help to create a healthier and more enjoyable living environment for occupants.
8. Reduced Maintenance Costs: Sustainable buildings are often constructed using durable materials, which can result in lower maintenance costs over time. By using materials that are resistant to wear and tear, and incorporating features such as low-maintenance landscaping, sustainable buildings can significantly reduce their maintenance costs compared to traditional buildings.
9. Positive Brand Image: Sustainable buildings can help to create a positive brand image for businesses, as they demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By investing in sustainable building practices, businesses can show their customers that they care about the environment and are willing to take steps to reduce their environmental impact. This can help to improve customer loyalty and can help to attract new customers who are looking for eco-friendly products and services.

As a property investor, how do we benefit from this?

Sustainable buildings are in high demand among customers who are looking for eco-friendly and healthy living spaces, and this demand is likely to continue to increase. As a result, sustainable buildings can command higher rents and have a higher property value compared to traditional buildings. Additionally, sustainable buildings can help to reduce operating costs for tenants, which can result in higher profits and a better return on investment for the landlord as its likely your tenants will stay for longer and your vacancy will be lower. Two things that I actively look for in an investment is a north facing living area & solar on the roof.

Installing solar panels on your investment property can allow your tenant to generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid. This can help to lower their energy bills over time, as they’ll be able to use the electricity generated by the solar panels instead of buying electricity from a utility company. In addition to reducing their energy bills, installing solar panels can also increase the value of your investment property and make it more attractive to potential renters or buyers.

A north-facing living room can help to reduce your tenant’s energy bills by allowing them to take advantage of natural light and warmth. In the southern hemisphere, a north-facing living room will receive the most sunlight throughout the day, which can help to naturally warm the room and reduce the need for heating. This can help to lower their energy bills by reducing the amount of energy required to heat the living room during the colder months.

By combining solar panels with a north-facing living room, your tenant can further reduce their energy bills and increase the energy efficiency of your investment property. The natural warmth and light provided by the north-facing living room can help to reduce their reliance on artificial heating and lighting, while the solar panels can generate clean energy to power the rest of the property.