However, say Mandi Mac of Rawson Properties’ Fish Hoek franchise and “green” architect Jonathan Green of Green Integrated, although people accept green concepts, they often do so in a vague way that reveals that they simply do not understand the subject. On investigation it turns out that they have relatively little knowledge of the subject.
Furthermore, says Green, who has a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development, if they are trying to buy such a home on the current market, they are likely to be disappointed as there are very few genuinely green homes available for sale.
The upshot, therefore, is that if the client is really sincere about wanting a green home he will probably have to employ an architect familiar with green technology – and then build for himself.
A properly designed eco-friendly building, says Green, would:
- Be orientated so as to maximize the use of solar energy, not just through solar panels but also through the correct placing of the building’s thermal mass. The home would be sited so as to be warm and light-filled year-round – but at the same time it would have adequate protection against over-heating. The solar heating, says Green, could well be supplemented by alternate low energy sources such as a heat pump.
- It would collect rain water for use in a variety of ways and would ensure that its grey water is used to irrigate the garden. If a swimming pool is installed, roof heated solar heating might be used to raise the temperature of its water.
- It would use at least some recycled materials in its structure and possibly elsewhere and it would avoid the use of scarce threatened materials such as certain sub-tropical woods.
- It would shun the use of all potentially harmful materials. Many materials, such as paints, plastics and treated timber, says Green, give off more harmful emissions than home occupants know about. Adequate natural ventilation, therefore, is also a prerequisite of any well designed ecologically friendly home.
Paul Henry, Managing Director of Rawson Developers, has said that while his company supports the recent Cape Metro legislation for the introduction of green technology, it has to be recognized that this in most cases this adds 12% to 15% to the cost of the unit. However, it also reduces the annual running costs by 5% to 8%. It is, therefore, he says, definitely worth going the green route, especially as it is now a proven fact that such buildings are far more beneficial to the health of the occupants.
