I recently read an article about the interest people have started to gain in terms of sustainable properties and homes according to their realtors. Immediately it had me thinking of AYO Smart Homes and how their technology and processes could have a place in the larger real estate market where a demand for sustainability is growing. In fact, according to a survey conducted by NAR’s (National Association of Realtors) new sustainability program, 40% of respondents indicated smart/connected homes were a somewhat or very important feature. They also indicated an interest in home solar panels and found respondents saw solar panels to “increase the perceived property value.”

This made me think back to our project with AYO Smart Homes, particularly back to the discussion we had about introducing these homes to a more mainstream market, rather than strictly community living. While the idea was considered, there was a deep concern for what kind of market demand there was for smart homes, or sustainable living.

What this article revealed to me is that there are more people interested in sustainable living than perhaps we had previously imagined. With a growing trend towards sustainable living in terms of recycling, using public transport, eating locally, and overall reducing your own impact on the planet, I suppose it shouldn’t really come as a surprise that people want their home to reflect their values and lifestyle.

Perhaps AYO Smart Homes doesn’t even have to lose their community living ideals, as the respondents to the survey were interested in neighbourhood features such as parks and outdoor recreation. Maybe AYO or a similar company will be able to capitalize on this growing demand to create sustainable communities that are all encompassing. These communities would have smart homes, outdoor recreation areas, bike lanes, public transport, community gardens, clean energy and an efficient waste management system to help people to live a (nearly) fully sustainable lifestyle….or at least that’s the dream.