Going green isn’t designed for property developers and the rich only, homeowners too can add their bit to reduce carbon footprint.
When you think about going green, always remember to reduce, reuse and recycle and this makes it easier to get into the habit of being aware of your surroundings.
When you think about going green, always remember to reduce, reuse and recycle and this makes it easier to get into the habit of being aware of your surroundings.
According to Century Property Developments, buying items such furniture you know will last a long time is all about sustainability.
When there are items that no longer function, find out where they can be sent for recycling or re-sale you could get some money back and there is always a use for something that you are tired of for less fortunate people, says the developer.
Century Property Developments have launched Gauteng’s first official Green Design Centre at Waterfall Country Estate.
The centre is a hub for homeowners looking to the construction industry to educate and enlighten them on the latest green products and services.
With going green costing an arm and a leg in some cases, there are ways in which homeowners anywhere can do their part to save the environment.
Century Property Developments have the following tips to help you green your home, one room at a time:
Install a solar geyser or heat pump for long-term benefits.
1. Be conscious and aware of your energy usage. Instead use gas heaters rather than oil or electric heaters.
2. Install a solar geyser or heat pump for long-term benefits.
3. Look at your window dressings like curtains and/or blinds to maximise internal insulation.
4. Install insulation on the roof where applicable.
5. Landscape home gardens according to the orientation of the building and existing window schedules.
Plant evergreen or deciduous according to winter and summer months to create shade in areas where there are big windows that receive full sun in summer and in the winter months the leaves fall to allow the sunshine in; this will give you natural heating and cooling of the building.
6. Fit carpeting where there are tiles or use a rug to create warmth in cold areas.
Recycle organic waste and use it in the garden instead of using fertilisers.
These can be stored in summer to keep the temperature down.
7. Recycle waste. Recycleable waste that goes into a land fill creates carbon emissions and is toxic.
When it rains this is washed into the water table and then treated heavily with chemicals to make it safe for human consumption.
8. Recycle organic waste and use it in the garden instead of using fertilisers.
9. Dispose of LED light bulbs responsibly; the mercury in these saves energy but is very toxic.
10. Harvest water. There is an upfront cost for this but the ROI on your municipal bill will be medium term and the water can be used in your garden.
11. Purify water on-site instead of drinking bottled water.
When you re-paint your home, make use of an environmentally friendly paint.
12. Use organic detergents for dishes and use the same water for indoor plants.
13. When you re-paint your home, make use of an environmentally friendly paint.
This is more expensive per litre but you do not need a primer and only need one coat, so it is cheaper on completion.
14. Install an energy efficiency alarm which will indicate to you when you have reached a limit; this will save you money and make you more conscious about consumption.
15. Be aware of unnecessary travel and maximise your travelling with people or do as much as you can in one trip; cycle or walk when you can.
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