The Benefits of Investing in Sustainable Housing

If you're planning to purchase a home in 2023 and beyond, it's worth considering the advantages of opting for a sustainable home. As of 2022, there are approximately 1.2 million sustainable homes in Canada, accounting for roughly 5% of all residential properties, according to the Canadian Home Builders' Association. Choosing a sustainable home brings several benefits that can positively impact your finances, well-being, and investment value. This growing awareness of the advantages associated with sustainable living is expected to drive an increase in the number of sustainable homes in the coming years as more individuals recognise the value of embracing sustainable living.

If you want to be one of those individuals, then this blog is for you as today we will list some of the many benefits that eco-friendly homes have to offer, not only for the environment but for your living experience.

01Reduced Energy Costs

This one is a no-brainer, if a property has the means to reduce your overall energy consumption, then your energy bills will be lower compared to a non-sustainable home automatically. In fact, a study by Natural Resources Canada found that homes that meet the LEED® Gold standard can save up to 50% on energy costs. Just to give you some context, the average Canadian spends about $2,000 per year on energy and utility bills. That means by simply buying a sustainable home, you are saving roughly $1,000 a year. By utilising Passive solar design, energy-efficient appliances, insulation, water-saving fixtures etc., sustainable homes have the ability to save you thousands of dollars on utility bills by design alone.

Read More: 7 Sustainable Interior Design Ideas To Help You Create an Eco-Friendly Home

02Higher Property Value

Sustainable homes are experiencing a surge in popularity, and this trend is reflected in their ability to command higher prices in the real estate market. In fact, a study conducted by the National Association of Realtors® revealed that homes equipped with green features tend to sell for an average of $10,000 more than comparable homes lacking such environmentally friendly attributes. This finding underscores the growing recognition among buyers of the value and desirability associated with sustainable living.

03Government Incentives

Just in case you didn't know, the Canadian government, for the past couple of years, has been introducing many programs and incentives that would motivate future home buyers to invest and buy more eco-friendly homes. For example-

Canada Greener Homes Grant: The Canada Greener Homes Grant is a program that provides up to $5,000 in funding for energy-efficiency upgrades to homes in Canada. The grant is available to homeowners, landlords, and multi-unit residential building owners.

These programs also include tax breaks for homes with high-performing insulation, solar panels, or wind turbines. Furthermore, if a sustainable home generates surplus energy that can be sent back to the power grid, it has the potential to generate income. If you are financially savvy and have a sound mind, purchasing a sustainable home presents an opportunity to not only offset the cost of acquiring a property but also potentially generate a larger profit by embracing sustainable living practices.

04Improved Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that 1 in 4 Canadians suffer from some form of respiratory illness? That means approximately 6 Million Canadians are suffering from some kind of respiratory issue. Considering the fact that the leading cause of respiratory issues is air pollution, second-hand smoke and poor outdoor air quality, it is fair to say that as a Canadian, you need a controlled environment free of all these causes. What better way to do this than investing in a sustainable home which is designed to do just that?

These meticulously designed abodes prioritise indoor air quality, creating an environment that nurtures your respiratory system and shields you from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. Many studies have unveiled the remarkable link between good indoor air quality and better health outcomes, making sustainable homes a haven where every breath rejuvenates and revitalises.

If you notice, throughout this blog, we have not talked about the social responsibility that we all share towards our environment. If we were to give you a single reason instead of four for why you should invest in a more sustainable way of living, it would be for your own peace of mind. Knowing that you are actively contributing to the well-being of the environment can evoke a profound sense of fulfilment and purpose that transcends any other feeling. By making sustainable choices and taking steps to reduce your ecological footprint, you become an agent of positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the planet for future generations.

This deep sense of responsibility and connection with nature can ignite a sense of joy, contentment, and pride, knowing that you are making a tangible difference in preserving our precious Earth. However, if that isn't enough for you, then you have the other 4 reasons above to make it worthwhile.