'Home is where the earth is

FEATURE HOME GARDEN Water conservation The threat of Day Zero in the Western Cape, and water woes experienced elsewhere in the country are just a few examples of what is anticipated to be an ongoing global challenge in the coming years. Ecofriendly estates will include watersaving features such as lowflow faucets and showerheads, rainwater harvesting systems, and droughtresistant landscaping. An added benefit is water storage systems such as dams for uninterrupted water provision. These initiatives help reduce water consumption and support sustainable resource management. Green building materials Construction of homes and other facilities on the estate should be done using sustainable building materials wherever possible. This includes locally sourced materials that reduce the estate's carbon footprint while enhancing indoor air quality and providing healthier living spaces. awl Ecofriendly community projects An estate cannot be inherently ecofriendly if it's operating in isolation from the rest of the community. Investors should consider how the estate management engages with . the surrounding communities in terms of sustainability and ecofriendly initiatives. Skills development, educational initiatives, job creation and more can contribute towards longterm sustainability. Within the estate itself, practices such as community vegetable gardens and conservation groups are incredibly impactful. Home is where the earth is Investing in an ecofriendly home is not only an ethically sound decision, it's a financially and logistically beneficial decision as well. Longterm costsavings through sustainable lifestyle practices are farreaching, with offthegrid living allowing residents autonomy from overstretched municipal systems. Reece Daniel, the developer of the ecofocused estate, Serenity Hills on the KZN South Coast, outlines several ecofriendly qualities that home buyers should look out for when considering an estate, or incorporate these qualities, as far as possible, when building their own home. Energyefficient I nfrastructure The home designs, additionally, should incorporate energyefficient features such as maximising the use of natural light and air to minimise reliance on artificial lighting and temperature regulation systems. Highperformance HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and LED lighting also reduce energy use while maintaining comfortable, welllit spaces. Renewable energy sources Incorporating renewable energy into a modern estate is a must, with properties equipped for solar panel installations and gaspowered cooking appliances to minimise reliance on the grid. Waste reduction initiatives An estate should promote recycling, composting and waste reduction programmes at a residential level and throughout its facilities. Investors should look out for recycling stations and composting areas that reduce landfill contributions. 7>