How to run a more sustainable home
REMAX Southern Africa shares their advice on green upgrades that save on bills and boost your home's resale appeal.
As environmental awareness and utility pressures rise, sustainable homeownership is no longer a niche aspiration. Instead, it’s becoming an expected standard. To help homeowners up their eco-efficiency game, REMAX Southern Africa shares some up-to-date tips for running a more sustainable home and insight into which upgrades particularly increase 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 of Southern Africa.
For those unsure where to start, REMAX recommends conducting an energy and water audit first. Before major investments, commission (or DIY) a home energy and water performance assessment. Identify where heat is escaping, where leaks exist, which appliances are energy hogs, and where water waste occurs. These audits help you target upgrades for the best return. Many green-building guides recommend audits as the foundation for retrofit planning.
When thinking purely from a return on investment perspective, the most effective sustainability upgrades that also add long-term value to a property 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 cut heating and cooling expenses; and future-proofing with EV charging infrastructure to meet the 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.
However, for those who are more concerned about adopting more sustainable habits, REMAX Southern Africa shares some lesser-known, practical tricks South Africans can use to live more sustainably at home:
• Light-coloured or reflective roof coatings can reduce indoor heat by up to 5°C, cutting cooling costs dramatically. These “cool coatings” are especially effective in hotter provinces and are becoming increasingly available in SA hardware stores.
• Every wash cycle releases microplastics into the water system. Installing a laundry filter can capture over 90% of these fibres before they enter wastewater, a small but meaningful way to protect rivers and oceans.
• For more sustainable home cleaning habits, replace harsh chemicals with vinegar, bicarb, lemon, and essential oils - cheaper, healthier, and plastic-free.
• Even when switched off, many electronics consume standby power. Use power strips with a master switch or smart plugs that automatically cut power when devices aren’t in use.
• For food waste, try a black soldier fly composter. The larvae process kitchen waste quickly and their frass makes a nutrient-rich soil additive.
“As utility costs rise and climate risks grow, buyers are placing greater weight on energy, water, health, and resilience features. For expert advice on which upgrades make sense for your property and region, contact your nearest REMAX Office to chat to a suburb expert,” Goslett concludes.