Luxury and sustainability are two things that feel incompatible – but not in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Dubbed “The Venice of America” for its intricate canal system, Fort Lauderdale has been a hub for luxury living for decades. With the recent trend toward environmental consciousness, however, developers in the city are beginning to embrace a new, more sustainable, and eco-friendly take on luxury living.
Continue reading, as we discuss the ways in which sustainable luxury living can be done, as well as building eco-friendly homes in Fort Lauderdale.
USE SOLAR POWER
Given Florida’s abundant sunshine, many property developers and homeowners in Fort Lauderdale have decided to harness solar energy for their homes. Doing this essentially hits two birds with one (eco-friendly) stone: Not only will solar power usage help lower energy bills but it will also help to reduce a property’s overall carbon footprint, essentially providing homeowners with significant long-term savings while, at the same time, contributing to a greener planet.
GET ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
Energy-efficient appliances are the best fit for an eco-friendly luxury home. These home amenities, which range from high-end kitchen appliances to smart home electronics, are designed to minimize energy consumption while still providing maximum comfort and convenience. According to the US Department of Energy, one way to know if an appliance is energy-efficient is to check for the presence of an Energy Star sticker which indicates that a product meets strict criteria for energy efficiency.
GO FOR ECO-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING.
Gorgeous landscaping has always been a hallmark of luxury residences. However, some homeowners tend to plant non-native species in their gardens, resulting in problems such as high water consumption, water pollution, and the introduction of invasive species into the local ecosystem. The good news is that by growing native, drought-resistant plants, homeowners can enjoy visually stunning and lush greenery that not only consumes less water but also helps support local ecosystems.
USE LOCALLY SOURCED AND SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
If you have the option to construct your luxury home from the ground up, it helps to integrate the use of sustainable materials as early as the pre-construction stage. These materials include reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and eco-friendly paints. These materials add a unique and stylish touch to your luxury home’s interiors while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle at the same time.
CREATE GREEN ROOFTOPS
A relatively new development, green rooftops are a smart way of making eco-friendly homes look even more visually appealing while providing their owners with even more benefits such as indoor temperature regulation and reduced energy consumption. Given their bio-active nature, green rooftops could also function as a habitat for local wildlife which, in turn, brings numerous benefits to the local ecosystem.
IMPLEMENT WATER-SAVING TECHNIQUES
Even with its proximity to the ocean, water conservation remains a top priority in Fort Lauderdale. Because of this, many of the luxury homes in the area have since opted to implement innovative water-saving technologies. These include rainwater harvesting systems, high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, and smart home irrigation systems that all help to reduce both water waste and utility bills.
If you’re interested in real estate properties on this side of the Sunshine State, don’t hesitate to contact me, top-notch Florida Realtor Brian Scharick, at 954.644.9118 or message me here to schedule a consultation.