Why You Should Buy a Sustainable Home… and Your Wallet Will Thank You
More and more sustainable homes are being built in Spain, although our country still lags behind nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States in this area, and many challenges remain to be addressed.
Among the most immediate goals is compliance with the guidelines established by the well-known Europe 2020 Strategy. Specifically, it calls for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring that 20% of energy comes from renewable sources, and increasing energy efficiency by 20%. In addition, the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2013/31/EC) requires that all new buildings have nearly zero energy consumption from 2020 onwards.
Currently, sustainable buildings in Spain are certified under the BREEAM assessment method (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology), although other international certifications also exist, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Among the real estate companies already marketing new developments with these certifications in Spain is Redpiso, one of the leading agencies for selling property in Sant Antoni and throughout the Iberian Peninsula. It is also worth noting that one of the most energy-efficient homes on the planet is located in Spain, specifically in Ibiza. Named Can Tanca, it is much more than an off-grid passive house.
What Are the Benefits of These Types of Buildings?
The answer is: many, both environmental and economic.
For example, according to Bankia’s blog, buildings that meet these standards consume between 50% and 70% less energy than traditional buildings and up to 40% less water.
In addition, their operating and maintenance costs are up to 8% lower, while the value of the properties tends to increase as a result of their high construction quality. These benefits are complemented by advantages related to health and environmental sustainability: these buildings are constructed using healthy materials, feature efficient waste management systems, provide excellent indoor air quality, and offer superior acoustic insulation.
As a result, the owner of a home with an environmental certification will save money on energy consumption and maintenance costs, breathe cleaner air, and be better protected from external noise and potentially harmful building materials. Over the long term, these characteristics contribute to increasing the property’s value and appeal.
