Consider Green buildings

By Andrew Johnson

Awareness of information is essential when making decisions, so we can best understand the consequences of our choices, and have minimal regrets in the future.

(The World Green Building Council, www.worldgbc.org)

If the information is a new area of research for you, please consider the Green Building Council of Australia, www.gbca.org.au, which has some useful information covering commercial and residential projects. When looking at existing buildings as a home or an investment, those that stand out from the pack are those where the previous owner has understood ‘green’. This means that the owner included what they could and enjoyed a comfortable property. The efficient use of energy, namely electricity, gas and water are important when considering the ongoing running costs and comfort in your home or investment.

Consider renewable energy, which in most cases could be solar energy on the roof. There is potential to add more in the future, so check your utilities or even to look at options to put back into the grid. It is always good to consider pollution and waste reducing measures in and around the building and enabling of reuse and recycling. Look at what exists at present and what else you wish to do. Look for good indoor environmental air quality, which is maybe simply having good crossventilation. When the property is closed-up, it is good to have ventilation options, air conditioning or systems available. It can be useful to ask about the experiences of the existing tenants and history of the property to obtain further clarity in order to decide.

When inspecting a home, look at the materials used throughout – ideally non-toxic, ethical and sustainable, which may not be as obvious but ask the questions of the agent or owner and take notes. Look around the property – how does its design, operation and construction work with the environment and locality; how does it make you feel?

Practising foresight and imagining yourself living in the property is really worthwhile when considering its design, construction and how everything works in operation. Consider the design of the building that can adapt to a changing environment – does it offer the flexibility and options needed for the future? My thoughts on green buildings and energy efficiency are a product of my history, experience and interest in the topic throughout my life and career across multiple industries and business sectors.

My earlier career working for 13 years with the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) spanned areas such as design, energy efficiency and tariff advice. These and many others were all important when helping customers make efficient and pragmatic decisions. When I walk through a home, investment or consider a design, I am always interested in the ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘when’, ‘where’ and ‘what’ about the property. I am interested in how it makes me feel and what resonates as I walk in, through and around the property.

Making practical and informed decisions is great, as no matter the direction you decide upon, you should have all the information necessary to best understand the consequences of your choice. I try to take out the emotion from the process. In Victoria, I also look at the orientation of the property, ideally North 20-30%. Does it have double glazed windows? Do the eaves shade the windows, any protection on the west side, how about the layout and internal design, zoning of the home for heating and cooling? Has it been built well? What materials were used?

To check some of the things that may not be obvious, it is always good to get a building inspection and a pest report for the property. Engaging a conveyancer or lawyer is essential once you decide to make an offer and include your special conditions. All the professionals involved are always happy to answer questions and assist you in the hope that they will win your business. There are many benefits that resonate for each when thinking green but the three that are front of mind for me are:

1. Reduced running costs for the building now and into the future

2. Improved comfort and a healthier environment when living in the building 3. Just like the farmer who plants the trees for a windbreak for the benefit of the next generation on the farm, we too can embrace green and leave a legacy for the next owners of the property. The three main take-aways for me when I am considering green when looking at homes and investments are:

1. Considering green saves you money and is worth thinking about when evaluating a new home or investment.

2. Choosing green improves your comfort in the home and is a useful marketing tool when presenting to those tenants who would rent your investment property in the future. 3. Going green is important when considering your new home or investment to create positive impacts on our climate and the natural environment

Thinking green as part of buying a home, building a new one or in considering an investment property has real benefits for you, the community, our country and all those who will enjoy your property in the future.

So, take the opportunity today and embrace green thinking as part of the process, and reach out to all those people and organizations that can help you.

Andrew is a licensed estate agent based in Victoria who has enjoyed a long business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a referral business.

Andrew is a licensed estate agent, businessman & entrepreneur based in Brown Hill who has enjoyed a long and varied business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a strong referral business.

Mobile 0473 207 988

Email andrew@maxjre.com LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/andrew-johnson-8435092 Company Maxwell Johnson Real Estate Pty Ltd Address 9 Gracefield Road, Brown Hill, VIC 3350