In this post, we cover important features of EDGE certification for property investors and tenants looking for economical, eco-friendly apartments:
- IGrow looks into EDGE building Certification
- What is EDGE Green building certification?
- International recognition of EDGE-certified properties as eco-friendly
- What are the perks of EDGE-certified buildings?
- The benefits of EDGE-Certification for property developers and investors
- IGrow’s EDGE-certified properties
1. IGrow looks into EDGE Building Certification
At IGrow, we strive tn constantly add value to IGrow properties’ return on investment for our clients. Recently, we have been diving into the world of Green Building Certifications, particularly the EDGE certification. EDGE stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies. It is granted to a building assessed during the construction phase and after completion for specific resource-efficiency measures.
In this post, we explore EDGE certification and examinine the incentive to build more eco-friendly properties for the buy-to-let market. We will also examine how rental demand from tenants seeking eco-friendly homes has increased.
Living in an EDGE-certified apartment adds an element of environmental responsibility, helping residents live a greener life. Investors buying IGrow EDGE-certified properties will automatically be buying into environmentally friendly developments. This ensures that tenants have reduced monthly utility bills, and owners have lower running costs and levies. As all wise investors know, happy tenants equal happy investors!
Some banks also offer green bonds with 0.25% discounts on interest rates to EDGE-certified eco-friendly home-buyers.
2. What is EDGE green building certification?
What criteria must be met to obtain EDGE certification for a green building?
“To achieve an EDGE rating, a minimum saving of 20% in energy, water, and embodied carbon in materials must be proven through initiatives implemented in the design phase and confirmed during construction.” (Source).
IGrow has recently launched two EDGE-certified buildings, The Reid and Greenpark. We are delighted to provide our investors with units in these eco-friendly developments. They offer a greener lifestyle that will appeal to tenants with it’s green values and lower utility costs.
The Residence is LEVEL 1 EDGE Certified. This means it has at least 20% savings across the three resource categories: energy, water, and embodied carbon in materials.
EDGE developments are certified by the GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa), a third-party organisation. This company independently oversees the professional credentialing and project certification and qualification programs related to green buildings in South Africa. Working with IFC (International Finance Corporation), GBCSA fulfils the need for future buildings to be energy and resource-efficient and innovative. (Source)
3. EDGE-certified properties are internationally recognised as eco-friendly
EDGE green building certification has broader credibility beyond the local South African property market. EDGE-certified properties have international recognition for having eco-consciousness at their heart while being cost-efficient. It shows that a development has objectively measurable eco-friendly, sustainable features
EDGE certification is an internationally recognised green building certification created by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This is a member of the World Bank Group. EDGE certification is used worldwide, across a variety of countries, to check on the resource efficiency of buildings. EDGE certification is widely accepted as a global standard for sustainable construction processes. (Source)
EDGE – an innovation of IFC – shows developers, building owners, banks, governments, and homeowners that everyone wins financially by building green. EDGE meets the need for a measurable, credible solution to prove the business case for building green and unlock investment. A global network of certification providers and EDGE Experts supplies this certification with the collective ambition to mainstream green buildings and help tackle climate change. (Source)
Resource-efficient bulding helps reduce the pressures of urbanisation in South Africa
In the South African property market, “Urbanization is rapidly increasing and is expected to reach 71 percent by 2030” (Source). With rising electricity costs and chronic water scarcity, it is critical to meet the demands of further power and water usage needs that accompany increased urbanisation.
EDGE certification offers a valuable solution to these demands for energy efficiency and water usage optimisation. The EDGE standard realises the purpose and value of green building practrices, and promotes eco-friendly building, now and into the future. Importantly, EDGE benefits encourage the use of innovation and technology to create a more sustainable future in South Africa. (Source)
4. What are the perks of EDGE-certified buildings?
EDGE certification goes beyond environmental responsibility. Properties with the EDGE certificate have improved operating efficiency, reduced utility costs, and strong appeal to eco-conscious tenants. An additional advantage is the preferential bank rates with 0.25% reduction in interest rates. Now that is music to any long-term investor’s ears!” -Werner Scheffer, Head of IGrow’s Acquisitions division.
5. The benefits of EDGE-Certification for property developers and investors providing eco-friendly properties
EDGE-Certified buildings offer numerous benefits to property developers and investors buying these units to rent out.
The Benefits of EDGE-Certification Providing Eco-Friendly Properties
6. IGrow’s EDGE certified properties
A new launch: The Reid, Linbro Park Sandton
Situated in the serene landscape of Linbro Park, The Reid offers investors a rare combination of award-winning design, truly exceptional lifestyle amenities, and a prime Sandton address, all at an accessible entry price. A 6-star green-rated Lifestyle Centre, a padel court, and an eco-friendly laundromat and car wash. This makes The Ried an eco-friendly EDGE-certified development.
A recent launch: Greenpark lifestyle estate
Greenpark is an eco-friendly estate, designed for stylish, modern living and long-term investment portfolio value. Be part of something bigger, and build a better future for yourself, your tenants, and the environment. There are waterwise gardens, there’s rainwater harvesting, solar lighting outdoors and an energy-efficient building design. Edge-certification provides special benefits for tenants and owners in terms of running costs and bond financing.
An award-winning developer with an impeccable reputation for quality, affordability and top lifestyle facilities built this development.
IGrow’s EDGE-certified property launch: The Blyde, Hazeldean, Pretoria East
The Blyde in Hazeldean, Pretoria East is an exclusive development, brought to you by an excellent developer with a reputation for quality builds. The complex offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with private gardens for the ground floor apartments and balconies for first, second and third floor apartments. First of its kind in South Africa, patented technology means tenants enjoy a crystal clear lagoon that operates sustainably at low cost. You can claim for Section 13 Sex taxable income deductions for units in qualifying portfolios here.
Each apartment has an under-counter electric oven, a hob with an extractor, a metallic colour fridge, a washing machine, and a tumble dryer. There is a dishwasher available only in the 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. It is Fibre & DSTV ready. Solar power supplementation in each block supports EDGE certification. In addition, there is an eco-friendly car wash on-site. Its eco-friendly perks make it perfect for tenants who prioritise this and for investors looking for the benefits of green bonds and lower running cost.
The Residence, North Parklands, Cape Town
The Residence in Parklands North is an EDGE-certified green building. It comes with fully tenanted eco-friendly units, each equipped with its own solar geyser. This means you have an immediate source of rental income right on purchase. EDGE building certification also encourages preferential bank rates and financing for investors, which you can take full advantage of through IGrow Home Loans.
The whole complex is kitted out with LED lighting and motion sensors, plus handy window insulation, which reduces heating bills and operating costs. In addition, solar water-heating systems installed in each unit reduce utility bills . All in all, sustainable features, including energy-efficiency and water-saving measures, reduce overall tenant utility costs. This is an attractive feature for tenants seeking lower running costs in their homes.
“The Residence exemplifies how thoughtful green design creates immediate practical benefits while building long-term investment value. An additional green consideration that aligns with the City of Cape Town’s commitments to building a future-proof city with reduced traffic volumes is the convenient proximity of this development to public transport routes like the MyCiti buses.” -Werner Scheffer, Head of Acquisitions at IGrow Wealth Investments.
IGrow commits to offering long-term value on our IGrow property purchases. Our tenant management and property management team make the running of IGrow investors’ properties smooth sailing!
Conclusion
In summary, EDGE-certified buildings help IGrow investors benefit from lower running costs and preferential bank loan rates, thanks to green and sustainable building features.
The eco-friendly units at The Ried offer award-winning design and access to wonderful amenities. These units suit a green lifestyle.
To illustrate, Greenpark has EDGE certification because it is built and run with eco-friendly features. This benefits tenants and owners in terms of running costs and bond financing.
The units at The Blyde offer excellent value, luxury and comfort, as well as capital appreciation potential. The eco-friendly perks of the complex appeal to both tenants and investors seeking eco-conscious living.
Our EDGE-approved developments offer investors excellent ROI and long-term wealth accumulation with a high monthly rental output.
Keep an eye on the IGrow properties on our website, for new EDGE-certified building launches. We will continue find properties that offer a green, eco-friendly lifestyle for all tenants and multiple perks for investors.
Make sure to contact an IGrow property investment strategist today to discuss the limitless potential of EDGE-certified IGrow property investments.
