Since 2013, when it became mandatory for all used homes to have an energy certificate, the demand for sustainable homes is becoming a widespread trend. In that sense, Manolo Cabrera, an architect from Arquifach, says
“when a future buyer finds a home with a good energy rating, which in the future will ensure significant savings in their consumption, it is an aspect greatly valued”.
THE SAVINGS AWARENESS
Despite the above, buyers still don’t have a real awareness of the real savings that energy efficiency brings in comparison to the necessary investment. In fact, according to a recent study by the General Council of Technical Architecture of Spain (CGATE), 68.9% of buyers would not be willing to make a significant investment to reduce their energy bill. A mistake that is due to the fact that we, Spaniards, still need to “become aware”, especially in these times when “political classes are championing the ODS and the 2030 agenda” as Alfredo Sanz, president of the CGATE, says.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY ¿A LUXURY OR AN INVESTMENT?
This reluctance on the part of consumers is due to the misbelief that energy efficiency in single-family homes is a luxury exclusive to the wealthiest pockets, something that could not be further from the truth. The increase in demand for sustainable homes has led to the emergence of many companies specializing in materials which, in turn, has lowered costs and processes.
Thus, with appropriate technical advice on construction systems and materials that incorporate bioclimatic and sustainable criteria, any home can have a very low energy consumption by reducing up to 70-80% of its energy consumption compared to non-efficient homes.
An investment in the future
Therefore, it must be understood that investing in the sustainability of our homes is an investment in the future, an expense today but a saving for tomorrow.
As a simple example, for every euro spent on the insulation of a home, a 7-euro return on investment is calculated over the next few years, a really high return.
Facades and roofs
Precisely, thermal insulation is the key piece of the conditioning of a home. It is estimated that around 70% of the energy of a home is lost through its facades and roofs, which is why it is so critical to create a well-insulated airtight box, without forgetting that this insulation must always be accompanied by a proper ventilation system that allows good air quality inside the house.
However, not only a correct isolation of our home will allow us to achieve an optimal energy conditioning, the synthesis of active and passive solutions will be our best ally. That is why the importance of a good advice for both new works and refurbishments. An effective isolation, together with an optimal orientation of the construction and the use of sustainable materials become elements as fundamental as the use of small details, such as LED bulbs or double-flushing cisterns that can save up to 6,000 liters of water per day.
Not only savings, but also real estate value
It should also be understood that when building or refurbishing a house with sustainable parameters, not only does it represent an investment due to the energy savings it entails, but also that certified buildings have a higher real estate value, making them easier to sell as well as to rent. Therefore, whether you are thinking of refurbishing your home or building a single-family one, looking for solutions and materials that improve the energy efficiency of your home is not only an increasingly affordable reality for any type of pocket, but also a future value that you should assess thoroughly. If you believe, as we do, that the bioenergetic criteria are a future commitment for your home, at Arquifach we will be delighted to offer all our experience to help you achieve a highly energy-efficient home.
ARQUIFACH: ALTEA ARCHITECTURE STUDIO
If you are thinking of building a personalized home and you want it to be sustainable and efficient, contact Arquifach: Moraira architecture studio and its great team with more than 40 years of experience.
