As the renter demographic in the U.S. starts to curve toward younger, the demand for eco-friendly living continues to go up. This trend extends rental property owners and property managers an extraordinary opportunity to embrace sustainable practices that can benefit the environment – and your bottom line. Dropping down the environmental impact of your rental property entices more than just conscientious renters. It can furthermore reduce operating costs, magnify property values, and improve sustainability. Let’s take a closer look at the key sustainable practices every property manager and owner should know to induce greener and more efficient properties that residents will appreciate.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
One of the effortless ways to incorporate green living into your rental property is to enhance your energy efficiency. A more efficient property oftentimes gives rise to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint. A few examples of simple energy-efficient upgrades you should take into consideration include LED lighting, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances. If you want to go even bigger, regard applying a home energy assessment that customarily pinpoints other areas for update, particularly leaky windows, and doors or inadequate insulation in walls and ceilings. Despite which upgrades you bring about, you can use these to entice 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. For 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 critical conservation upgrades. Simply picking out native plants well adapted to your area, for example, can help reduce your water needs, minimize maintenance, and set up a sustainable, eco-conscious property your tenants will truly cherish.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs
Another terrific option to attract environmentally friendly renters is to always encourage and partake in recycling and other waste management programs. Such as, for 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 final matter to think about, property managers and owners can apply sustainable practices by making more deliberate and environmentally friendly choices 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, preferrably. Having said that, you can draw attention on these practices in your marketing materials and expound on how they improve indoor air quality and promote a healthy living environment. Most renters will appreciate your concern for their health and your eco-friendly practices.
The Benefits and Challenges of Sustainability
Carefully incorporating sustainable practices into your property management program can extend tangible benefits for the environment and a healthier cash flow. From energy-efficient upgrades and water, conservation means to advertising recycling and using eco-friendly materials, green living strategies can improve your property’s value and positively appeal to current and future residents while reducing long-term costs.
Naturally, bringing about these and other sustainable practices takes time, and really understanding where to start can be extensively challenging. Knowing this, at Real Property Management Apex, we’re here to help you execute these propositions and effectively create greener, more efficient properties in Waco and nearby. Contact us today or call 254-732-1599 to understand how we can help you adopt sustainable practices that will immensely benefit your properties, residents, and the planet.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.