Each year, clean energy and sustainable infrastructure become more and more urgent. Fortunately, new sustainable technologies and innovations also develop each year.
Whether it’s installing new gadgets or adjusting energy practices, sustainable living starts with the places we spend the most time: our homes.
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to practice sustainability in your rental business. Sustainability is not just another real estate trend—in fact, it could determine the very health and future of our communities and homes.
If your renters see you actively implementing sustainable solutions and eco-friendly policies, they will likely follow suit. For instance, they might be more inclined to recycle, turn off lights and faucets, or conserve water.
Below is a brief overview of sustainable housing in 2022 and three concrete steps you can take to implement sustainable practices in your rental business.
What is Sustainable Housing?
Our homes have a greater impact on the environment than you might think. Appliances, HVAC systems, and electricity all draw energy from somewhere. The trash tenants create, water they waste, and toxins they release in day-to-day tasks can negatively affect their own health, the community’s health, and the longevity of your business.
Sustainable housing is housing that minimizes these negative impacts. For instance, sustainable homes use energy-efficient utilities, reduce environmental toxins, conserve resources, and reduce carbon footprints.
You should also consult HVAC design consultants to design HVAC systems for the entire house according to your specific requirements.
It is impossible to control the decisions your tenants make within their rentals. However, you can prioritize sustainability in your rental business by writing rules, enforcing policies, and making energy-efficient renovations in your rentals.
Why is Sustainable Housing Important?
You may think that sustainable housing is just another drain on your wallet. While some sustainable solutions do require significant financial investment, many are affordable or free.
For example, stocking your rentals with water filtration devices isn’t too expensive and helps tenants reduce water waste while encouraging reusable bottles over plastic ones. You could also make a space for recycling near your rentals or distribute a list of sustainable practices for your tenants to follow.
The benefits of sustainable housing are significant. Besides reducing your rental business’s carbon footprint and respecting your community and environment, sustainable practices are also valuable for your business.
For instance, energy-efficient appliances have low operating costs and save you money. Other upgrades increase overall property value, including solar panels, electric appliances, water filtration, and sustainable landscaping.
Finally, sustainable housing also leads to happier and healthier tenants. Tenants who notice you doing your part for the environment are likely to also notice how much cleaner, greener, and healthier they feel because of these practices. Sustainable housing can convince tenants to stick around and attract new ones at the same time.
2022 Sustainable Housing Trends
In 2022, green energy is more vital than ever. The prevalence of green technology and sustainable appliances in real estate means landlords must also address it.
Here are three ways to implement sustainable technology in your rentals.
1. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient appliances are the bread and butter of sustainability. By using a holistic approach to energy efficiency, you can reduce CO2 emissions from your buildings and decrease energy costs.
For instance, you could use hyper-insulating materials for windows and doors or incorporate solar design into your rentals.
If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you can even follow California’s lead in mandating that new homes be net-zero energy (they produce as much energy as they consume). If you’re up for the challenge, net-zero energy is a strong selling point and an impressive achievement to renters.
2. Electric Homes
As more and more business owners turn to renewable energy to power their buildings, gas energy is less and less common.
The next time your rental appliances need an upgrade, choose electric stovetops over gas-powered. Likewise, gas furnaces can be replaced with radiant heating/cooling, and gas water heaters can be replaced with heat pump water heaters.
3. Smart Homes
Smart home technology is another sustainable upgrade. Smart homes enable remote automation of rental appliances and utilities, including thermostats, garage doors, and dishwashers.
While installing smart home technology may require some dedicated funds and setup, it is more than worth it for your tenants and the environment. Smart devices allow refined control of heating, HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, and utilities, so your tenants can reduce waste and monitor their own energy usage.
Property management software for landlords is another way to incorporate sustainable smart technology. Some platforms even offer integrations with smart locks or other smart devices to help you install and manage the new technology.
Go Green with Sustainable Rentals
Your decision to “go green” with your business can only benefit you, your tenants, and your community in the long run. By investing in energy-efficient appliances and practices, you can do your part in creating a sustainable future for real estate.