Embracing green living: The latest innovations for eco-friendly homes

As environmental concerns continue to grow, more homeowners are embracing sustainable practices and seeking ways to make their homes eco-friendly. 

"While there is still a long way to go in transforming our homes, there are numerous green technologies, materials, and practices available for home buildings and renovations," says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group.

Let's explore some of the latest innovations to see how they can contribute to creating a greener and more sustainable home.

Energy saving designs

Building an energy-efficient home is one of the best ways to be kind to the environment - and your pocket. The biggest contributor to a property's carbon footprint is how it is powered and heated, so having energy-efficient appliances and alternative energy sources is key. 

Passive solar is one emerging trend that addresses this. These homes collect heat as the sun shines and are built with materials that absorb and retain the heat, thus minimising the need for artificial heating and cooling. 

The rise of energy-efficient appliances is an easy but effective way to make your home greener - whether you own or rent. 

Renewable energy systems

Installing renewable energy systems is another effective way to reduce a home's carbon footprint. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular, especially thanks to South Africa's energy crisis. Solar technology has advanced to such a point that it is becoming more and more accessible to the market. Many solar systems have improved battery storage, making it possible to store excess energy for nights and cloudy days. 

Efficient insulation and windows

Being able to heat your property during the colder months and keep it cool during the warmer ones, is essential to creating a green home. 

The selection of insulation materials that minimise the heat transfer between the home and the outside environment is therefore incredibly important. Where possible, opt for spray foam and cellulose insulation - a green choice that will have knock-on benefits, such as reduced energy bills and noise. 

Water conservation strategies

Water conservation is enormously important in sustainable homes. Installing low-flow taps, showerheads and toilets is a manageable way to reduce water consumption and can reduce water consumption by up to 60%. While these fixtures were once associated with low water pressure, they now perform just as well as their water-wasting counterparts. 

Greywater systems are another good way to conserve water. This involves collecting water used for washing dishes, laundry, and bathing and reusing it for irrigation purposes. Greywater systems can either be plumbed into your home or you can use water storage containers.

Eco-friendly materials

Materials are the most important consideration for an eco-friendly home. When building or renovating, choosing recycled or reclaimed materials is the best place to start, as you can often get them at a lower price, and it means that they won't end up in landfill. 

Sheep's wool is, surprisingly, a very green material and is the perfect choice for insulation. Bamboo and cork are also examples of materials that can easily be regenerated. Moreover, they are versatile and highly durable, making them ideal building materials.

We have come a long way in designing eco-friendly homes and identifying building materials to construct them with. Keep an eye on emerging trends and green technologies of the future - they're bound to be incredible.