Advertisement
*Energy-efficient design, including thermal insulation, natural lighting and ventilation, and renewable energy systems.
*Inbuilt durability, which will ensure that buildings offer better resistance to weather and require lower maintenance and fewer repairs. This will reduce long-term costs and environmental impact.
*In new developments, the use of sustainable (and non-toxic) building materials that are locally sourced, recycled, or have low embodied energy, as well as waste-reduction practices during construction.
*Optimised lighting in shared areas through the use of LED fittings, timers, and motion sensors to reduce unnecessary electricity use.
*Bulk waste recycling and garbage disposal facilities.
*Water efficiency measures, including low-flow taps and showerheads, systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, water-wise gardens with indigenous plants, and automated irrigation systems with rain sensors. Many schemes are now investing in boreholes to provide a reliable supplementary water source, often linked to solar power systems to ensure continued operation in the event of electricity outages.
