How to run a more sustainable home
As environmental awareness and utility pressures rise, sustainable homeownership is no longer a niche aspiration. Instead, it is becoming an expected standard. To help homeowners improve their eco-efficiency, RE/MAX Southern Africa shares up-to-date tips for running a more sustainable home, along with insights into which upgrades particularly enhance a property’s saleability.
“We encourage homeowners, whether preparing to sell or simply upgrading for comfort, to consider sustainable improvements not just for the planet, but for property value, marketability, and long-term returns,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX Southern Africa.
For those unsure where to start, RE/MAX recommends conducting an energy and water audit first. Before making major investments, commission (or undertake yourself) a home energy and water performance assessment. Identify where heat or cool air is escaping, where leaks exist, which appliances consume the most energy, and where water is wasted. These audits help target upgrades for the best return. Many green-building guides recommend audits as the foundation for retrofit planning.
From a return-on-investment perspective, the most effective sustainability upgrades that also add long-term value include installing solar power systems with battery backup, which reduce electricity bills and protect against load-shedding; adding rainwater harvesting tanks and greywater recycling systems to lower water costs and appeal to eco-conscious buyers; improving insulation to enhance comfort and reduce heating and cooling expenses; and future-proofing with EV charging infrastructure to meet growing demand for electric vehicles.
“These features not only reduce a home’s running costs but also make it stand out in the market, attracting modern buyers who value resilience, efficiency, and environmental responsibility,” says Goslett.
For homeowners more focused on daily sustainable habits, RE/MAX Southern Africa suggests practical steps:
• Light-coloured or reflective roof coatings can reduce indoor heat by up to 5°C, dramatically cutting cooling costs. These “cool coatings” are especially effective in hotter climates.
• Laundry filters can capture over 90% of microplastic fibres released in wash cycles, helping protect rivers and oceans.
• Replace harsh cleaning chemicals with vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, lemon, and essential oils for a cheaper, healthier, and plastic-free approach.
• Use power strips with a master switch or smart plugs to prevent standby electricity consumption.
• A black soldier fly composter can process kitchen waste quickly, producing nutrient-rich soil additive from the larvae frass.
“As utility costs rise and climate risks grow, buyers are increasingly prioritising energy, water, health, and resilience features. For expert advice on which upgrades make sense for your property and region, contact your nearest RE/MAX office to speak to a suburb expert,” Goslett concludes.
“We encourage homeowners, whether preparing to sell or simply upgrading for comfort, to consider sustainable improvements not just for the planet, but for property value, marketability, and long-term returns,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX Southern Africa.
For those unsure where to start, RE/MAX recommends conducting an energy and water audit first. Before making major investments, commission (or undertake yourself) a home energy and water performance assessment. Identify where heat or cool air is escaping, where leaks exist, which appliances consume the most energy, and where water is wasted. These audits help target upgrades for the best return. Many green-building guides recommend audits as the foundation for retrofit planning.
From a return-on-investment perspective, the most effective sustainability upgrades that also add long-term value include installing solar power systems with battery backup, which reduce electricity bills and protect against load-shedding; adding rainwater harvesting tanks and greywater recycling systems to lower water costs and appeal to eco-conscious buyers; improving insulation to enhance comfort and reduce heating and cooling expenses; and future-proofing with EV charging infrastructure to meet growing demand for electric vehicles.
“These features not only reduce a home’s running costs but also make it stand out in the market, attracting modern buyers who value resilience, efficiency, and environmental responsibility,” says Goslett.
For homeowners more focused on daily sustainable habits, RE/MAX Southern Africa suggests practical steps:
• Light-coloured or reflective roof coatings can reduce indoor heat by up to 5°C, dramatically cutting cooling costs. These “cool coatings” are especially effective in hotter climates.
• Laundry filters can capture over 90% of microplastic fibres released in wash cycles, helping protect rivers and oceans.
• Replace harsh cleaning chemicals with vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, lemon, and essential oils for a cheaper, healthier, and plastic-free approach.
• Use power strips with a master switch or smart plugs to prevent standby electricity consumption.
• A black soldier fly composter can process kitchen waste quickly, producing nutrient-rich soil additive from the larvae frass.
“As utility costs rise and climate risks grow, buyers are increasingly prioritising energy, water, health, and resilience features. For expert advice on which upgrades make sense for your property and region, contact your nearest RE/MAX office to speak to a suburb expert,” Goslett concludes.
