Energy Efficient Ibiza Homes: A Guide for Homeowners in Ibiza

Energy efficiency has become the gold standard for modern homes, whether they are newly built or renovated. As homeowners, it is essential to commit to conserving resources, saving money, and helping the environment through reducing waste and preserving energy. Whether your home is new, undergoing renovation, or very old, energy efficiency can be achieved through applied knowledge and effective changes.

At Prestige Properties, we are dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and green living in Ibiza. To encourage property owners and future buyers to create energy-saving homes, we have developed this short guide. So, here’s how you can make your Ibiza home more energy-efficient, starting right at your front door.

Insulation & Draught Proofing your Ibiza Property

Insulation and draught-proofing are primary concerns for energy efficiency. Despite Ibiza’s mild temperatures, the high humidity can lead to dampness in poorly insulated homes. Additionally, the hot high season increases electric consumption for cooling. Property buyers and new owners should always review the architectural design and construction to ensure good insulation and low energy consumption.

For those investing in new property, building, or remodelling a home in Ibiza, it is crucial to examine factors such as roofing and drainage systems, property orientation and design, solid walls, ventilation, thermal bridges, insulation, water tightness, damp-proofing, sealing, and double-glazed windows.

Building with Eco-Friendly Materials in Ibiza

Traditional construction often involves earth bricks, concrete, and wood, contributing to deforestation and mining. Fortunately, the construction industry is adopting green materials like bamboo, hempcrete slabs, rammed earth, and reclaimed wood and steel. If you are building or renovating a property in Ibiza, investigate the sustainable practices of local construction companies, architects, and workers. Energy-intensive materials should be used sparingly or when recycled.

Solar Power Panels in Ibiza

Solar panels are highly recommended for green living. Solar energy is abundant and free, and Ibiza enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. Solar power produces no greenhouse gases and does not pollute the environment. Generating your electricity reduces consumption from utility providers, resulting in substantial savings on household bills. For more information on solar power systems in Ibiza, visit Westphal Solar.

Upgrading your Boiler in your Ibiza Property

Boilers account for approximately half of your energy bills. An inefficient boiler can lead to high home energy costs and unnecessary carbon emissions. It is increasingly important to have an energy-efficient boiler. If your property hasn’t had a new boiler in the last ten years, consider replacing it with a newer model. In Ibiza, new builds are required to supply hot water via solar panel energy. These "Hot Water Solar Systems" are famous for remodelling older properties.

Indigenous Landscape Gardens

Landscaping and gardens enhance a property’s aesthetic appeal and can reduce energy usage by protecting the property from extreme weather. Well-placed trees, shrubs, and vines provide shade, serve as windbreaks, and facilitate natural air exchange. Native and natural landscapes conserve water, reduce pesticide usage, require less fuel and electricity for maintenance, and reduce noise and air pollution. They also provide food and wildlife habitat and naturally clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

To design and maintain an energy-efficient landscape, consult professional landscape designers, tree surgeons, and ecologists. Consider landscape water consumption and recycling, such as building a rainwater storage device for garden watering during hot months. Illot Studio, part of the Prestige Family, are very experienced in the design and landscaping of mediterranean, beautiful and efficient gardens.

Use Local Ibiza Companies and Workers

Using local architects, designers, construction workers, and landscape gardeners who advocate for locally-produced materials saves transportation costs and supports the local labour market. Landscaping materials should be biodegradable, recycled, and low energy-consuming, and produced locally. Choose businesses with good ethics, local staff, and proper contracts and insurances. See a list of companies we recommend further below.

Keep an Eye on the Little Things

Utilise energy efficiently by learning to accomplish daily tasks with less consumption. Be aware of how energy is used, where it is wasted, and how to use it better. Simple actions, like switching to LED lights, sealing cracks, replacing filters, encouraging natural sunlight and heat, setting a thermostat, monitoring temperature controls, turning off lights, and dressing appropriately for the weather, can significantly improve household sustainability and energy efficiency.

Final Thoughts for Ibiza Property Owners

Investing in an energy-efficient home in Ibiza may seem complex and expensive. Still, such projects are often no more complicated than conventional construction and save money in the long run. Simple improvements, like LED lighting and shading, are environmentally friendly and reduce electric bills.

Every small contribution helps. Living in an energy-efficient, well-insulated home lowers household bills, increases property value, and contributes to a cleaner, greener island.

Read Part II: Explore More!