Camissa boosts green-sustainable living

CAMISSA PROPERTY’S houses are eco-friendly with solar water heaters, energy saving lighting and full insulation now standard.

“All Camissa homes built from 2015-on generate their own electricity by means of photovoltaic solar power (PV) and they have a solar water geyser, which not only dramatically reduces energy consumption, saves tens-of-thousands of Rands over the years on electricity bills, and makes a significant contribution to ‘greening’ the home, but ensures home-owners of a constant electricity supply as South Africa’s energy challenges become more serious,” says Ahmed Essop, managing director at Camissa Properties.

He says in one instance they are saving a client R4 000.00 a month through cutting electricity expenditure, let alone improving the quality of the family’s lifestyle by not having to worry about the hassles of load shedding.

“With the energy crisis in South Africa at a critical level, there’s no better time to introduce the concept of renewable energy to the property development industry than now. While it’s not a new concept, it is fast becoming the future of property development in the Western Cape, and it’s a concept that Camissa is proud to be a part of,” says Essop.

However, while incorporating renewable ( or sustainable) energy into homes is a great idea, can we truly say we understand the concept?

Here’s a breakdown of what renewable energy is and how it will benefit you: What is renewable or sustainable energy - Simply put, renewable energy can be defined as a source that will never be depleted when used, such as solar or wind power. Why is it important - renewable energy doesn’t contribute to global warming and is a great way to keep our environment “clean”. Unlike many traditional forms of electrical generation, making use of solar power is a great way to reduce air pollution, acid rain and that dreaded smog that we often see hovering over Cape Town. How will it benefit you - with the demand for power and energy on the rise and energy resources dwindling, making use of renewable energy is a great way to stay ahead of the energy crisis in South Africa as a solar-powered home will not only be more cost-effective, but rid clients of the fear of power-cuts. Clean, safe and cost-effective; there’s never been a better time to go green than now. Therefore, make sure you join Camissa in its effort to create a “greener environment”.

Here are five reasons why you should enjoy a greener lifestyle and home today!

1.

Camissa Homes is dedicated to ensuring that your home utilises renewable energy, the rest is up to you. If you need any more motivation, think about this: making energy-efficient home improvements to your home increases its value. Whether you opt for energy-saving showers and toilets, or take full advantage of Camissa Homes’ solar water heating and electricity generating panels, creating an environmentally- friendly home increases its worth in the long-run.

- There’s nothing better than saving a few pennies. According to various studies conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency, choosing green alternatives, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, can reduce the amount of electricity that you use. Therefore, making various “green” changes to your home can lower your electric bill by up to 15-percent.

- Utilising recycled materials, such as recycled wood for decks, is a great way to make your home more durable. These materials are formulated to withstand years of weathering and contribute to helping the environment.

- By taking the necessary steps in order to make your home more green, you are improving the air and health of your family. By contributing to the decrease in greenhouse emissions and utilising natural cleaning products within your household, you’ll be able to breathe better inside and outside your home. In order to further free your home of toxins and safeguard your family against toxic exposure, make use of chemical-free paints when decorating your walls.

Small changes can make a big impact. You might not feel as if one eco-friendly home is enough to save the planet, but it can contribute to ensuring a safer environment for future generations. Greenhouse gas emissions play a crucial role in our quality of life, and between the years of 1990 – 2004, carbon dioxide emissions increased by an astounding 20-percent. Ozone layer depletion and water and air pollution are sure to cause serious problems for future generations. Without taking the necessary steps now, the future of our planet could be in serious trouble. Essop says the final step in the greening of homes is to develop a method of recycling water both economically and sustainably, which will assist not only the homeowner but the country as water is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity both in the Western Cape and South Africa.