Structure and Design ISSUE 49

Page 14

property news

The Race to 2030… The United Nations in September 2015 launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals. You have probably come across the terms sustainable and green in various contexts. Well, in this review here is how you can make your home “the future” by 2030. In simpler terms producing enough for yourself today without compromising for future generations in a responsible and climate friendly environment. To assist you, we have stated and explained how The energy through an inverter are stored you can attain these 5 goals for your household. into batteries that can be dually charged by solar energy and electricity which can be used to power lights, appliances and all other Consuming more for less. purposes within the bounds of the solar Smart technology has grown in the market capacity installed. Wall insulations. They trap with the use of Motion Sensors. They detect movement and trigger the lights on, in the case the escaping heat allowing the inside space to stay warm. This an effective way to support of no movement they switch off in the event SDG 12, which states responsible consumption. that you forget to turn off the switch manually or you are no longer in the room. In direct translation this targets SDG 12- Responsible Consumption & Production. In other words, having the ability to consume responsibly.

through the use of low flow flush systems (SDG 12). As a rule of thumb, if you have not changed your toilet system in the last 5 years, you might want to visit your local hardware store to replace your current systems. The newer flush systems will be smaller and that can give the same effective flush that is provided by a larger storage water tank. Water leak prevention system (SDG 12) has a sensor in front of the cistern and by the toilet seat that allows water flow into the water tank only when the user is present. As soon as you leave the sensor locks the tap and stops flow into the tank. No water flow equates to no leaks. Pipe leak detection system (SDG 12), has a sensor that communicates to a remote mobile device. The built in application will alert as a notification on an assigned mobile device if there is a leak down the pipe and if it needs to be attended to. These are the mechanisms that are part of smart property technology.

Green energy, that which comes from natural sources such has the sun; has become the new trend stating various techniques including the use of Skylights which allows sunlight to come through the top of buildings, reducing use of lighting during the day.

Every drop counts.

Come night time, all the sun you have bathed in by the pool side is converted into solar energy (SDG 7). The sun’s rays are absorbed by solar panels.

Water is a scarce natural resource and as we see in Zimbabwe, residential suburbs have been struggling with water tables running low. As a result, there has been an increase in homeowners drilling for borehole water in search for constant water supply. Borehole drilling companies have come up with equipment and technology to effectively site and drill boreholes. Many of which are powered fully by solar power making them energy efficient. Doing your market research on Companies that use new energy conscious technologies in siting and drilling contributes to achieving SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) and SDG 7 affordable and clean energy) Toilet and bathroom plumbing is another area with the most water usage. Water management can be best achieved

PROPERTY SHOP PROPERTY TIPS

14

Sustainable Development Goals are a holistic approach that includes companies and households employing to the tee the abovementioned technology and equipment within the Zimbabwean residential and commercial industry. Diligent efforts will result in the real estate industry leap frogging into the UN 2030 vision effectively attaining SDG 9 and 11. They state Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities and Communities respectively. In essence SDG 9 and 11 are the combined results after successfully implementing prior stated facets namely Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, lastly Responsible Consumption and Production.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.