On South African property news this month, we uncovered that stats show an increasing trend towards home-buyers opting for greener homes. Up to now Americans have been fore-runners when it came to adopting eco-friendly homes, helped by an official green certification for residential homes.

South African property news can confirm that South Africa is currently working on a scoring-system of its own for multi-unit residential properties which will also apply to stand-alone homes.

The main drive and motivation according to CEO of RE/MAX Adrian Goslett has been “the growing cost of utilities and an increased awareness of burning environmental issues.”

South African property news picked up a few hints and tips that Goslett remarked upon as being aids for smarter and greener property purchases in the absence of an official rating tool:

• First amongst his advice was to team-up with a well informed estate-agent on the subject of green home features and specs.

• Going green being about minimising energy and resource usage, amenities to look for would be those that save energy usage and water, such as a water-light garden. South African property news learnt that 35% of domestic water is used to water plants, and this has been confirmed by SANBI.

• Another feature to look out for as reported by Goslett was photovoltaic panelling: one can easily spot these solar panels on the roof of prospected houses. “Solar panelling can reduce standard electricity usage or replace it entirely” he stated

• He advised that home buyers enquire with the sellers on the type of water heating systems their homes use, with the aim of getting a commitment to switch from an electric geyser for its energy-saving solar counterpart.

• Gas cooking and stoves work better than electric ones.

• Low-flow showerheads OR aerator taps lower water usage and will save you bucket loads …

Dual Flushing toilets work better than singles ones, as the latter only flush away 62% of their water.

South African property news also advises that green conscious buyers check their sought-after home’s insulation, as efficient home insulation can keep the cold out during winter while being able to retain cool-air in summer; here windows play a pivotal role considering how well they close and seal. Double panel windows and glazed glass windows are a deal-maker.

These are just some of the aspects to consider in your green building efforts which start with the type of home you choose for the mid- to long-run. Get energy-wise, buy greener for a WIN-WIN situation when it comes to utility costs and environmental conservation!