As the renter demographic in the U.S. starts to evidently veer toward younger, the demand for eco-friendly living continues to go up. This trend extends to rental property owners and property managers an extraordinary opportunity to embrace sustainable practices that can benefit the environment – and your bottom line. Trimming down the environmental impact of your rental property fascinates and attracts more than just conscientious renters. It can especially reduce operating costs, expand property values, and improve sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at the key sustainable practices every property manager and owner should know to properly create greener, more useful and efficient properties that residents will be happy with.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
One of the most effective ways to incorporate green living into your rental property is to improve your energy efficiency. A more efficient property oftentimes brings about lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. A few common examples of simple energy-efficient upgrades you should take into consideration include LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. If you desire to go even bigger, then regard implementing a home energy assessment that naturally pinpoints other areas for further enhancements, particularly leaky windows and doors or inadequate insulation in walls and ceilings. It doesn’t really matter which upgrades you undertake, you can use these to seriously fascinate and attract your next environmentally friendly resident.
Realistic Water Conservation Techniques
A number of people hear “water conservation” and instantly tune out. Yet, for rental property managers and owners, conserving water is an integral part of going green. By way of example, think of installing low-flow fixtures, replacing old or leaking ones, using water-efficient irrigation in the yard, and investing in drought-resistant landscaping. Landscaping, primarily, is an area where most rental houses can make many relevant conservation upgrades. Simply adopting the use of native plants well adapted to your area, by way of example, can help reduce your water needs, minimize maintenance, and develop a sustainable, eco-conscious property your tenants will appreciate and love to live in.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs
Another applicable option to attract environmentally friendly renters is to enthusiastically encourage and take part in recycling and other waste management programs. To cite an instance, consider recycling programs in your area, and then provide bins and information to your residents. By making recycling and waste reduction worry-free for them, you can help reduce your disposal costs while appealing to renters interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
Green Building Materials and Practices
One last thing, property managers and owners can get involved in sustainable practices by making more deliberate and environmentally friendly choices particularly whenever repairing or updating their rental property. For example, pick out sustainable building and finishing materials, namely bamboo, recycled wood or steel, and low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints preferably. Besides that, you can also highlight these practices in your marketing materials and show clearly how they improve indoor air quality and promote a healthy living environment. A number of renters will absolutely appreciate your clear concern for their health and your eco-friendly practices.
The Benefits and Challenges of Sustainability
Rightly incorporating sustainable practices into your property management approach can certainly lead to tangible benefits for the environment and a healthier cash flow for you. From energy-efficient upgrades and water conservation tactics to highlight recycling and using eco-friendly materials, green living strategies can improve your property’s value and appeal to current and future residents while greatly reducing long-term costs.
However, at the same time, applying these and other sustainable practices takes time, and considering where to start can be burdensome and a considerable challenge. Knowing this, at Real Property Management Victory, we’re here to help you comply with these strategies and efficiently create greener, more efficient properties in Birmingham and nearby. Contact us today or call 205-793-0700 to find out how we can properly help you adopt sustainable practices that will happily benefit your properties, residents, and the planet.
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