A decade ago, sustainability was not a word you often heard uttered in the same sentence as luxury real estate. But times have changed, and today’s luxury homeowners are at the forefront of eco-friendly design and construction. More and more luxury homes are being built or retrofitted using sustainable materials and practices. And more and more buyers are requesting homes that offer sustainable luxury amenities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular eco-friendly features that are becoming the norm in luxury real estate here in Rancho Santa Fe and around the world.
Using locally sourced and sustainable materials
Building a home with locally-sourced materials is not new. Our ancestors did it out of necessity as local materials were the only materials available before global shipping became common. But today’s luxury homes are focusing again on locally-sourced and sustainable materials. Using materials that are produced locally helps to reduce carbon emissions while also giving a home a greater sense of place. Sustainable materials can include those that are recycled and salvaged, have long life expectancies, improve indoor air quality, maximize energy efficiency, and conserve water.
Building LEED-certified homes
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is the most commonly used system for rating eco-friendly buildings worldwide. The United States now has the most LEED-certified homes in the world, with California having some of the highest numbers in the country. Construction projects earn points for how well they address issues such as carbon, water, waste, transportation, energy, materials, and other criteria. The project is then reviewed by the United States Green Building Council and given a rating of Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
Switching to solar energy
On average, Rancho Santa Fe has 263 sunny days per year – about 50 days more than the U.S. average. Harness the power of those rays by switching to solar energy in your Rancho Santa Fe home. Solar panels have become extremely popular in Southern California and can even be an attractive addition to your home. The best part is that solar energy not only makes your home more environmentally friendly, but it can also save you money on your energy bills long term.
Installing green roofs and walls
Green roofs aren’t just for Hobbit houses. They can be an excellent addition to your eco-friendly Rancho Santa Fe home, too. Green roofs use plants in place of traditional roofing materials. This can not only lower your energy costs and extend the life of your roof, but it can also be aesthetically pleasing.
Embracing smart-home technology
Finally, advances in technology can make our lives at home both easier and better for the environment. Smart-home innovations that let homeowners control heat, light, irrigation, sounds, and ventilation with the push of a button help to conserve energy. There’s no longer any need to waste energy on these systems when you’re not at home and they aren’t needed. Most can also be controlled remotely. This makes it ideal for those who split their time between Rancho Santa Fe and another location.
Contact the Lucy Kelts Collection today
When it’s time to buy or sell your luxury Rancho Santa Fe home, it’s important to work with an expert. If you’re ready to enter the real estate market, then contact the Lucy Kelts Collection at 858-775-8843 or [email protected]. Our team is standing by to answer all your questions and sit down with you personally to discuss your needs.
