Luxury condos can be eco-friendly too
These days, the ‘green’ label is used a lot. There is no end to the list of things that are advertised as less harmful to the environment than their traditional counterparts. Far from following the trend, the housing industry has long been ahead of the curve. Residential development continues to be at the forefront of this commitment to green building, with alternative insulation materials becoming widespread, solar panels popping up on rooftops across the country, and water-saving technology becoming the norm. But while these additions and renovations can be great, many green-minded home buyers don’t realize how efficient and green living in multi-unit buildings can be. Luxury condos are eco-friendly by nature!
The benefits of population density
The more a single structural element, utility or appliance can be shared, the more efficient it will be. In a luxury condo, a shared wall does what two separate walls would do in houses. That translates to half the building material to build the wall, be it wood, brick, concrete, etc. It is also common for utilities to be centralized in a condominium complex, which means that the water heater serves multiple units, a much more efficient use of energy than heating several small water heaters. The same goes for air conditioning and heating, which benefit from the expansion and service to multiple residences. By combining these functions that should be replicated in each individual home, multi-unit homes maximize the efficient use of building materials and electricity.
Room to breathe
On the other side of the equation, minimizing sprawl by sharing structures and appliances leaves more room on the property for outdoor features. Luxury condos have a much smaller footprint, per unit, than individual homes. This means that the lots can be larger and more luxurious, with water fountains and even small community gardens that would not be possible on many small lots.
The vanguard
While luxury condos are by their nature environmentally friendly, developers increasingly use multi-unit residential construction to push the boundaries of green living. This is due, at least in part, to the overwhelmingly green values and trends displayed by young, modern urbanites. Young professionals have shown especially significant interest in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for buildings. LEED certification encourages developers to incorporate alternative energy sources such as solar panels for electricity or hot water. Another LEED innovation is the use of so-called greywater systems to recycle sink water and drain the landscape. This water-saving technology is especially popular in the arid west, where drought has forced cities in California and Arizona to demand cuts in public water.
Today, many home buyers are interested in spending on environmentally responsible housing options. Whether it’s a first home or a retirement home, more and more buyers are looking to luxury condos as green options.