When investing in a new building, it’s increasingly important to keep green considerations at the forefront so you can align with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and ensure that your new home is energy-efficient.
This article will explore key green considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a pre-construction property.
Location and Transportation
The location of a pre-construction home in the GTA (or anyplace in Canada) has a significant impact on its green credentials. Look for properties that are strategically situated:
- In close proximity to public transportation hubs, reducing reliance on private vehicles and lowering carbon emissions.
- Within areas boasting excellent walkability, promoting active lifestyles and reducing car dependency.
- Near essential amenities such as grocery stores and schools, fostering convenience, community engagement and reducing car dependency.
By choosing a location that aligns with these criteria, you enhance your quality of life and foster a sense of community.
Energy Efficiency
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Use this handy checklist on your next project to keep track of all the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.
One of the most critical aspects of a green home is its energy efficiency, which translates into substantial savings for homeowners. Key features to look for include:
- High-efficiency HVAC systems
- Energy Star-rated appliances
- Well-insulated walls and windows
These elements work in synergy to minimize energy usage, lowering your carbon footprint and utility expenses. Furthermore, contemporary advancements in home construction are incorporating smart technologies, facilitating the monitoring and fine-tuning of energy consumption.
These advancements reflect the growing emphasis on sustainability within contemporary home design. Additionally, the integration of an energy savings calculator, which allows users to input factors like insulation types and appliance efficiencies, offers valuable insights into the potential energy savings of a new home.
Water Conservation
When considering pre-construction homes, it’s important to pay attention to features that conserve water. This helps preserve a vital natural resource and also translates into significant savings on water bills. Here are some water-efficient features to look for in your green home:
- Low-flow toilets and showerheads – These fixtures are designed to use significantly less water than standard models without sacrificing performance. By installing low-flow toilets and showerheads, a household can drastically reduce its water consumption.
- Rainwater harvesting systems – Implementing a system to collect and use rainwater can be a game-changer. This water can be used for irrigation, flushing toilets and even for laundry, depending on the system’s sophistication.
- Drought-resistant landscaping – Also known as xeriscaping, this approach involves using plants that require minimal water, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
Materials and Resources
The construction materials chosen for the building have a profound impact on the environment. To ensure your new home is as green as possible, it’s important to focus on materials that are sustainable, non-toxic and locally sourced. Here are key considerations when assessing the materials used in your future home:
- Sustainable building materials like bamboo or recycled steel
- Non-toxic paints and finishes
- Locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions
Indoor Environmental Quality
A green home strives to foster a healthy indoor environment, prioritizing the well-being of its residents. This commitment is evident through key features such as:
- Low-VOC materials, which significantly reduce indoor air pollution, creating a safer and more comfortable living space.
- Adequate ventilation systems that effectively remove pollutants and allergens for a breathable and refreshing atmosphere.
- Natural lighting that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of living spaces but also positively impacts mood, productivity and sleep patterns.
Prospective buyers should prioritize inquiries about construction materials and finishes, ensuring their alignment with green standards and low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Community and Sustainability Practices
When considering pre-construction homes, the community’s sustainability practices play a crucial role in enhancing the green aspects of your home. Here are some important things to look for:
- Community gardens – These shared spaces not only beautify the neighbourhood but also provide residents with access to fresh, locally-grown produce. Community gardens encourage sustainable living and create a sense of unity among residents as they collectively engage in growing their own food.
- Shared renewable energy systems – Developments that incorporate shared renewable energy resources, like solar panels or wind turbines, significantly reduce the community’s carbon footprint. These systems can provide clean energy to individual homes and potentially to communal spaces, promoting a collective commitment to sustainable energy usage.
- Sustainable waste management practices – Look for communities that prioritize eco-friendly waste disposal. This can include comprehensive recycling programs, composting facilities and initiatives to reduce overall waste. Effective waste management practices are essential in minimizing environmental impact and promoting a culture of sustainability within the community.
Green Certifications
You can look for properties that are certified by recognized green building standards like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or ENERGY STAR if you want the assurance that your home meets green building standards.
Certifications are by no means necessary as a home can meet or exceed these standards without actually being certified. They, do however, provide some benefits: potentially having a higher resale value and better marketability; they can also make the buying process easier as you can be sure the home you purchase will perform to a certain standard without having to take the builder’s word for it or have energy efficiency tests done.
Investing in a pre-construction property offers a unique opportunity to embrace green living as you can choose just the kind of high-performing home you dream of and in the kind of community that values the same.
