How To Go Green At A Rental Property

As a property manager or landlord, you probably have many reasons for wanting to go green. Maybe you’re passionate about doing your part to help the environment, or perhaps you’re looking for ways to save money on operating costs. Either way, there are multiple approaches to making your rental units more eco-friendly.

Here are some of the top tips and ideas to get you started:

1) Install Smart Water Meters

Water remains one of the most precious natural resources on the planet, and it’s important to conserve it whenever possible. You can do your part by installing smart water meters in your rental units.

Smart Water Meters provide you with more granular data about your water usage and can help you quickly identify and correct leaks. In addition, many Smart Water Meter providers offer online tools and resources to help you further monitor usage in your rental units.

If the meter detects unusual or excessive usage, you can take action immediately to prevent further waste or water damage.

2) Provide EV Charging Stations

As consumers and automotive manufacturers switch to electric vehicles, it’s becoming increasingly important for landlords to provide EV charging stations. If you have residents who drive EVs, they’ll need a place to charge their vehicles, and your rental units are the perfect location.

This amenity will make your rental units more attractive to potential residents and help you “green” your parking lot or garage. With the budget and space available, property managers and landlords might consider installing a solar array to power the EV charging stations.

3) Offer On-Site Recycling

Another approach to reducing waste is to offer on-site recycling for your residents. Implementing a recycling program can be as simple as providing a designated recyclable area. Some landlords go further by installing recycling chutes in each unit to encourage residents to do their part.

Paper, plastic, and glass are all recyclable, so you’ll need to provide separate containers for each type of material. Not only will this eco-friendly initiative reduce waste, but it can also help you save on garbage removal costs.

4) Use LED Lighting Where Possible

LED lighting is much more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, so it’s a good idea to use them wherever possible in your rental units. You can install LED bulbs in common areas, hallways, and even inside the existing lighting fixtures in individual units.

Over time, the energy savings from using LED bulbs will offset the initial investment cost, and you’ll be making changes and contributing to a smaller carbon footprint.

5) Replace Old Appliances With Energy-Efficient Models

Replacing older appliances with new ones is another approach to making your rental units more energy-efficient.

Refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and dryers are all available in energy-efficient models. These appliances use less electricity and water than their older counterparts, so they’ll help you save money on utility costs.

In addition, many appliances come with eco-friendly features like automatic shut-off and energy-saving settings. These features can further reduce your operating costs and help you save money.

6) Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures

As mentioned above, water conservation is an integral part of going green, and one way to conserve water is to install low-flow plumbing fixtures in your rental units. Low-flow fixtures are designed to use less water than traditional fixtures and are available for indoor and outdoor use.

Some of the most common low-flow fixtures include toilets, showerheads, and faucets. You can install these fixtures yourself or hire a professional plumber to do it for you.

In addition to conserving water, low-flow fixtures can help you save money on your water bill.

7) Use Green Cleaning Products

Another way to “green” your rental units is to use green cleaning products in common areas such as hallways, lobbies, and laundry rooms. Green cleaning products feature natural ingredients which are free of harmful chemicals.

Not only are green cleaning products better for the environment, but they’re also safer for your residents. In addition, green cleaning products are often just as effective as traditional ones, so you won’t have to sacrifice cleanliness for sustainability.

Various green cleaning products are available on the market, so you’ll have no trouble finding ones that meet your needs.

8) Encourage Residents To Go Green

Finally, one of the best ways to “green” your rental units is to encourage your residents to go green themselves. After all, when everyone is taking steps, even small ones, to reduce their impact on the environment, it can make a big difference.

If you need help managing your rental property, reach out to our team for professional assistance! 704.535.1122