Going green is the way to go for home owners

Weathering the storms of climate change, poor service delivery and load shedding

OFTEN, it is human nature to take action only after we have suffered a loss or negative event, such as deciding to install a home alarm or panic system after our home has been burgled or we’ve been robbed. The same is being seen when it comes to installing green features in our homes. More people are starting to make the additions to their homes following the recent devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, and, more recently, Cape Town. The droughts in parts of the country are also a reason for residents to embrace measures that help them survive the climate challenges.

While “resilient communities” in KZN stood together to repair damage and support those most in need during the floods, Carol Reynolds, the Pam Golding Properties area principal for Durban Coastal, says it is not surprising that many people are considering implementing more sustainable green features in their homes, to ensure that they can literally weather the storms.

“If we look at current development trends, there is a strong emphasis on ecofriendly features. Most developments encourage solar panels, heat pumps and some form of water reticulation. JoJo water storage tanks are a great cost-effective way to save water and provide a back-up supply in the event of municipal shortages.”

For many, the idea is not to be fully off the grid, but rather to have water and energy back-up solutions for times of need, and to reduce the burden on the municipal infrastructure.

EXISTING HOMES

Reynolds says a good starting point is for homes to have at least one JoJo tank with a pump that is connected back into the home to act as a reserve water supply, and to become the primary source of water for irrigation and gardening.

“Depending on the size of the tank, this water solution will cost in the region of R15 000 to R20 000 for an eco-tank, a pump, and the plumbing costs to install, including a stable base or foundation for the tank.

“This is well worth the investment for ongoing peace of mind, and to contribute towards a philosophy of promoting renewable resources.”

From a power-supply perspective, she says many people are relying on inverters as generators are noisy and costly to run, especially with the increase in fuel prices.

“Therefore, most are opting for small inverter solutions that keep the essentials in their homes running during load shedding.”

NEW BUILDINGS

From a new-build perspective, solar inverter systems are “probably first prize”, as they offer a hybrid solution, tapping into solar energy and municipal supply to keep batteries charged. They also satisfy our eco-friendly goals, by placing less pressure on the grid, Reynolds adds.

“It is certainly more cost-effective to install green features at the start of a building project, than to add them after-the-fact to an existing home.

“Consequently, it is advisable for those planning a new build or undergoing a significant home renovation, to weigh up the costs and benefits of a solar inverter system as opposed to a non-solar alternative at the time of building.”

She says the benefits of having green features are self-evident – water and electricity crises become less worrisome, and homes remain fully functional despite the failings of the country’s electricity supply or municipal service delivery.

COSTS

There is high demand for load-shedding-relief solutions such as solar power, agrees Rhys Dyer, the chief executive of ooba Home Loans.

“More South Africans are looking to sustainable energy solutions that offer long-term cost savings – not forgetting a higher return on investment when you do decide to sell.”

But while homeowners have expressed interest and see the benefits, finance has been a key barrier to entry.

“You are looking at a price tag of R100 000-plus, depending on your requirements.”

RESALE VALUE

Making your property more sustainable can go a long way towards attracting buyers who value these conveniences and amenities,” explains Adrian Goslett, the regional director and chief executive of Re/Max of Southern Africa.

“Whether buying new or improving your current environment, you can make your house more sustainable with some quick changes and some thoughtful investments to save on energy, water and maintenance costs.”

“In South Africa, these green features are becoming increasingly popular among buyers, especially as a result of the ongoing load shedding and the prevalence of droughts in our country.” Goslett says.

Reynolds adds: “More and more, we are seeing buyers noting such features, and while it is difficult to quantify the value-added benefits of these, having back-up power and water supply solutions certainly makes homes more appealing and more sellable.”

“Going green should not only be a knee-jerk reaction to the recent disaster experienced, it should be an ongoing priority to create a communal mindset of environmentally friendly living that is sustainable.”