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Published on January 12, 2008

Suriya Hanpanich, manager of Supalai's architectural section, said yesterday that from now on the company will construct energy-efficient homes for both low- and high-rise projects. Home-buyers now take energy saving into account when deciding on buying a new home.

Supalai believes that energy saving will be a key factor for consumers when deciding on buying houses. So the company will promote this as an important factor, and "every Supalai project will help residents save on energy costs and protect the environment," he said.

Suriya said that construction costs are between 5 and 10 per cent higher for building energy-efficient homes. However, the company believes that customers will compare the price with the savings in future energy costs and discover that it is worthwhile to pay extra for an energy-efficient home.

Soonthorn Sathaporn, managing director of Sathaporn Residence Projects, said that the company began energy-saving projects two years ago.

It found that construction costs were only 1-per-cent higher than for normal construction, so buyers will eventually benefit from the higher initial outlay.

"Our projects are located along the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road and a number of other firms also have developments there. Consequently, there is fierce competition, so I had to find a unique selling point to differentiate my projects from the others," he said.

"I know buyers consider every factor before deciding on investing their money over the long term, so energy-saving houses will be an advantage."

Soonthorn claims that every house in his projects would help owners save 15 per cent per month on their energy costs.

Supalai and Sathaporn Residences Project were yesterday awarded Energy-Efficient Houses awards from the Energy Ministry for their designs of energy-saving houses.

Initiated by the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Department, the competition received 127 energy-saving entries, and 24 models won awards. The department will run the project until next year.

Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said that the project would encourage property developers to focus more on energy-saving projects and make home-buyers more aware of the possible savings.

 "At present, 25 per cent of all energy consumed in Thailand is by businesses and residential properties. The annual cost is Bt200 billion. If the project is successful, the ministry believes the country can cut this by at least 10 per cent a year," he said.

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation