ABSTRACT
Sustainable housing is currently finding its place in the housing market. As a result of global developments, public awareness and policy decisions, the housing industry is realizing that sustainability is an important market. Consumers begin to favour sustainable solutions for many reasons:
direct savings from lower energy costs: experience shows potential savings as high as 75 per cent, with a payback as fast as two years for many features of such houses;
these saving will be greater as non-renewable energy prices rise; and
there are non-energy benefits:
better air quality, reducing asthma discomfort;
higher thermal comfort levels because of better insulation;
convenience (i.e. windows are easy to open, also making cleaning easier);
a better house, which will be easier to resell; and
taking responsibility for the environment.
