Sustainability is often attached to things that are environment-friendly, and while true, it means something is cost-efficient by reducing energy consumption and offer additional health benefits. It does not only sound good, it is actually good.
Take sustainable homes, for instance. More than its positive impact on the environment, these come with additional benefits for its residents.
Big windows save energy and give energy
If possible, opt for a home with bigger windows, as they provide with an abundance of natural light and offer better ventilation. According to a real estate developer, big windows can reduce dependence on artificial lighting, consequently shaving off electricity costs in the long run. Natural light is also a great source of Vitamin D, a critical nutrient that helps boost mood and stimulate the brain.
Several modern homes such as Grand Hyatt Manila Residences South Tower in Bonifacio Global City have incorporated large windows in their unit designs. On top of that, the windows are 100 percent glazed, providing the residents with a full harvest of natural light and a reduced transmission of solar heat.
LED lights are long-lasting and safe
Compared with fluorescent and incandescent lighting, LED (light emitting diodes) is much more energy efficient and durable. LED lights last an average of 35,000 to 100,000 operating hours and consume 90 percent less power than other lighting solutions.
Another advantage of LED lighting is its innately hazard-free attribute. LEDs emit almost no warmth therefore they are cool to touch and can be left on for hours. It also operates effectively on low-voltage electrical systems, which means the chances of fire incidents from LED lighting is much lower.
Water-efficient toilet fixtures save water and improve bathroom hygiene
Flushing toilets is the biggest water hog at home, using up to seven gallons of water with every flush. Water-efficient toilet fixtures, such as those that have dual flush technology, reduce water waste, yet provide thorough cleaning in a single, low-volume flush.
Aside from conserving water and saving costs, these fixtures reduce cleaning time for the user as it is hygienic by nature. The Seasons Residences in BGC, for instance, provides its residents with distinct Japanese shower toilets.
Open lawns and gardens help clean the air and relieve stress
Garden landscapes at home can be therapeutic. Aside from benefits to our emotional well-being, plants produce more oxygen and boost mood, while gardens with full-grown trees and shrubs create pockets of sanctuary from harsh sunlight.
Because normal travel may still be unlikely in the near future, green, open spaces in condos or residential properties provide the closest physical simulation of a destination spot. The Grand Midori Ortigas, a Japanese-inspired development of Federal Land, boasts its own Zen pocket garden that brings a refreshing change in ambiance.
Sustainable building materials cool down surfaces and provide heat relief
A home with a “cool roof” may not be important to residents at first, but the benefits of this feature are highly evident during mid-day heat waves. Cool roof is a roofing system designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than the typical dark roof. Structures with cool roof reduce the amount of heat that enters the home.
The Grand Midori Ortigas’ cool roof systems allow residents to become less dependent on power-consuming air-conditioning systems. According to the developer, the use of these materials in building elements not only allow for better energy efficiency but also improve thermal comfort for residents. On a much larger scale, this housing solution further reduces the heat island effect on the community, adjusting the overall heat index altogether.
