20 Jan The Importance of Sustainability in Real Estate Development: How to Build Greener and More Efficient Properties
You might have heard of “sustainability” several times, but do you know what it means? Because of the popularity and the many benefits of sustainable practices for the environment and humans, the real estate industry is starting to apply this. The main goal of sustainable real estate development is to construct eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and light on the environment structures. This write-up will discuss the significance and the many benefits of sustainable real estate development.
The Environmental and Economic Benefits of Sustainable Real Estate Development
Buildings and houses are essential to humans but significantly impact our environment. But these structures are vital to us, providing shelter and a place to work. We cannot stop the development of these towering structures. However, there is something that we can do to minimize its impact on the environment by developing green. Sustainable construction is the latest trend in the building industry, improving how we live and build structures.
Below are some of the environmental, economic, and other benefits of sustainable real estate development:
The Environmental Benefits
The primary advantage of sustainability in the real estate industry is the reduced environmental impact. According to ifamagazine.com, the real estate sector alone is responsible for 40% of greenhouse emissions worldwide, which makes them the #1 environmental offenders. Out of the total emissions, 27% of the yearly emissions come from the building operations, while 13% is from the building construction and infrastructure materials.
The use of ecologically friendly materials, like locally or recyclable obtained materials, helps reduce construction’s damaging effects on the environment. Building sustainable homes and buildings can also help reduce energy and water.
Another environmental benefit of sustainable real estate development is it improves air quality. By using materials that are non-toxic and low-emitting like using green roofs and increasing vegetation.
Waste is reduced effectively by sustainable building practices that minimize waste during construction and operation.
The Economic Benefits
Aside from the environmental benefits, sustainable real estate development has many economic benefits
Most of the sustainable structures have higher market values. A green-certified natural structure can have a rent premium of around 6% and a possible sales premium of up to 7.6%. Your utility bills will reduce significantly over time as sustainable buildings are more energy-efficient.
Also, investors and tenants prefer properties with sustainable features. This will result in higher occupancy rates and less turnover, leading to stable profit for property owners. Incentives, funding, or grant opportunities are offered to sustainable projects to promote environmentally friendly practices.
Green structures generally require less maintenance and operational costs than conventional buildings because of more efficient utilization of primary resources like energy and water.
These economic benefits are good reasons why sustainable real estate development is not merely an ethical or environmental choice but an intelligent financial decision aligning long-term economic growth with ecological responsibility.
Tips on How to Design and Build Sustainable Buildings
Designing and constructing sustainable buildings applies a holistic approach incorporating environmental responsibility and resource efficiency in the entire building’s lifecycle. there are methods you can use to make the structure eco-friendlier and energy-efficient. Here are some essential steps:
Apply advanced insulation methods when constructing the building. This will help keep the cooled or heated air from escaping, which means it uses less electricity and doesn’t need as much cooling and heating equipment.
Install solar panels. This will not just lower your power costs but also help effectively protect the environment. These panels need less upkeep and play a big part in ensuring everyone has enough energy.
Paint that doesn’t contain VOCs should be used. VOC-free paints don’t release as many harmful chemicals into the air as regular paint. These chemicals is harmful to ozone layer. VOC-free paint is also safer for people and the earth, easier to clean, and makes less of a smell.
How to Choose Sustainable Materials and Construction Practices?
Minimize the environmental impact by using sustainable materials and construction practices. This will likewise ensure the long-term sustainability of a building. How will you make sustainable choices? Here are some vital considerations and steps to help you:
Research and Choose Sustainable Materials
When choosing sustainable materials, focus on the following:
• Choose materials that are sustainably sourced, like certified wood from well-managed forests.
• Make sure you can recycle and reuse the materials. This effectively reduces the need for new resources and reduces waste.
• Go for low embodied energy materials. This pertains to the energy required to generate and transform them.
• Search for long-lasting and durable materials, so you don’t have to replace and repair them frequently.
Energy Efficiency in Design
Proper insulation is essential. Use natural light to lower dependence on artificial lighting. Choose an energy-efficient air-conditioning system, lighting fixtures, and appliances.
Water Conservation
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce water usage. Integrate the rainwater harvesting system to collect and use rainwater.
Waste Reduction Strategies
You must have a concrete construction plan to minimize waste. If some construction materials are worth recycling or repurposing, this will greatly reduce waste.
Expert in Different Aspects of Real Estate
Maestro Realtek can offer comprehensive strategic expertise that can help build sustainable buildings and more efficient properties.
The company’s expertise encompasses different domains vital for sustainable development. This includes project and amenity planning, management of media and budgeting, market intelligence with insights, management of sales process facilities, specific project positioning and marketing approaches, and capital funding. With this expertise, they can easily guide developers through the complex process of building sustainable properties.
In conclusion, Maestro Realtek’s vast array of services and expertise can be instrumental for developers aiming to build greener and more efficient properties. Their data-driven approach, combined with extensive market knowledge and strategic planning, can guide developers through the complexities of sustainable real estate development from conception to completion.