Consumers across all generations now actively seek sustainable solutions, and this trend is also transforming the real estate market. Smart homes, once a niche market, are becoming mainstream.
Why?
Changing consumer behavior + accessibility and affordability of smart home devices.
By 2031, Gen Z will earn more than millennials. As consumers, they are hyper-aware of their impact on the environment. This heightened awareness, coupled with a focus on overall well-being, positions them to adopt healthier habits. With increasing income, their commitment to environmental responsibility and a healthy lifestyle is set to soar. Plus, they have an outsized influence on older generations when it comes to sustainability.
The smart homes market size will be $138.9 billion in 3 years. And consumers of today pose two crucial questions:
1. How can they make their home smart?
2. How can they make smart homes more sustainable?
It gives the real estate market a golden opportunity to promote smart homes with environment-friendly features.
Why will connected homes with environmentally friendly features be the future?
1. Climate Change
2023 broke multiple temperature records worldwide. The world witnessed climate change-led floods, storms, and wildfires. Unfortunately, scientists are predicting 2024 could be even more hotter.
Smart homes offer eco-friendly solutions such as smart thermostats, lighting control, climate control, and more that not only reduce energy bills but also minimize carbon footprints.
The real estate industry is undergoing a green revolution as the world deals with climate change. Ambee can assist you in capturing this transformation.
2. Health Concerns
Whether we are at home or inside our offices,indoor air pollution is a growing concern that leads to an increase in allergies and respiratory issues. The long-term effects of air pollution are more serious— cardiovascular diseases, cognitive decline, and premature deaths.
With the health risks becoming clearer, the air we breathe indoors, often neglected, becomes a priority.
Sure, the pandemic served as a wake-up call, too. There is an even faster lifestyle shift towards health and wellness.
A data-driven solution can keep up with this growing invisible concern.
Ambee provides real-time data on air quality, pollen, fire, and smoke plumes, seamlessly integrating with smart home systems like HVACs and air purifiers. These systems use this data to detect and track pollutants and allergens and optimize ventilation rates to ensure you breathe clean air.
Take Brigade, for example. By partnering with Ambee, they saw an increase in employee productivity and workplace wellness.
Smart home tech is not just limited to improving indoor air quality.
It is also reshaping pharma-physician engagement. For example, the aging population faces major health challenges due to increased pollution and requires regular monitoring. Real-time data enables remote care with personalized recommendations and improves medication adherence.
A simple solution like LED bulbs uses 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Today, homeowners are exploring ways to go green and look beyond just LED bulbs.
This is where energy-efficient appliances come in. Features like better insulation, smart thermostats, smart HVACs, and air purifiers reduce utility bills and carbon footprint.
Did you know the residential sector is responsible for 20% of global energy consumption? This is expected to jump another 10% by 2040.
But we can apply brakes to this trend.
How? By integrating environmental/climate data with smart homes.
For instance, Nest says smart thermostats alone can slash your energy bills by 15% on air conditioning and 10-12% on heating.
Thus, when integrated with smart homes, environmental data isn’t just good for the environment but also for your wallet.
Another feather in the hat would be LEED certification. The US Green Building Council awards leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to buildings and homes that meet specific standards for energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. It can save up to 20-30% on utility bills, making them a better option for both buyer and seller.
Environmental data is the key
Smart homes with environment-friendly features will help you stand out in the competitive real estate market—this market differentiation, added convenience, security, and energy savings increase property value.
Sure, regulatory compliance is a legal obligation, but it also reflects your commitment to ESG responsibility and enhances/strengthens your reputation and brand image.
As health and eco-conscious practices continue to grow, integrating environmental data into smart homes will soon become a necessity.