Concerns about climate change, higher utility bills, and the growing demand for eco-friendly practices make sustainable property management more than just a trend—it’s a practical and smart choice for businesses and landlords.
This guide will discuss how sustainable property management helps property managers reduce their property's environmental impact, manage water use, and implement best practices.
Why Sustainable Property Management Matters
Sustainable property management matters because it reduces environmental impact, lowers operational costs, and enhances tenant satisfaction. By adopting eco-friendly practices, property managers conserve resources, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier living spaces, ensuring long-term value for both owners and communities.
How it helps the environment
Sustainable property management means using less energy, managing water carefully, and cutting down on waste and pollution.
These steps help lower your property’s carbon footprint, save energy, conserve water, fight climate change, and protect natural resources.
The benefits for property managers
A sustainable approach creates healthier, more comfortable indoor spaces for tenants. Features like good air circulation, lower utility costs, and efficient water use show tenants you care about their needs.
Happy tenants are more likely to stay longer, reducing vacancies and making management easier.
Sustainable buildings also attract more interest, making it easier to find new tenants when needed.
Better property value and more savings
Adding sustainable features can boost a property’s value. Energy-efficient appliances and smart water management not only attract eco-friendly tenants but also make the property more appealing to potential buyers Plus, reducing energy and water waste means you can decrease your overall utility cost.
Best Practices for Sustainable Property Management of Water Usage
Saving water is a big part of managing properties in a green way. Water is a valuable resource (especially in dry areas), so it is in our best interests that we put the effort to save as much water as we can. Problems like excessive hot water usage also negatively impact other utilities, such as gas consumption, which overall hurts the environment.
Here's what we recommend:
Low-flow fixtures
Low-flow fixtures are a simple way to save water on your property. These fixtures keep water pressure strong while using less water.
In fact, low-flow toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush compared to older models that use much more. Low-
flow faucets and showerheads work the same way.
Water leak detection systems
Leaks can waste a lot of water without anyone noticing. Water leak detection systems are great for spotting leaks early. They monitor your water flow and send an alert if there’s a problem.
Some systems even let you check for leaks on your phone. Fixing leaks quickly saves water and can stop bigger issues down the road.
Meters/Submetering Systems
Meters give you detailed information about water use in your property. They measure how much water is used and can help spot problems like leaks or high-usage areas.
If your building lacks an intricate metering system, you can also opt for micrometers, which can be placed at the fixture level. These devices measure every drop that flows through the fixture. The sum of all micrometers in a unit forms a submetering system, which can help you better monitor water use in your building.
Smart irrigation systems
If your property has outdoor spaces, smart irrigation systems can make a big difference. These systems adjust watering schedules based on the weather.
For example, they won’t turn on if it’s raining. Some even come with soil moisture sensors that check if the ground needs water before watering. This means plants stay healthy, but no water is wasted.
High-efficiency water heaters
Upgrading to a high-efficiency water heater is a smart move. Tankless water heaters are a great choice because they heat water only when needed. This cuts down on water waste and saves energy. Tenants get hot water on demand, and you avoid the cost of keeping a tank heated all day.
How You Can Do Sustainable Property Management in Other Resources
Sustainable practices go beyond just water use. Here's what you can use to be more sustainable:
Improve energy efficiency with upgrades
Install energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers. These appliances use less energy, reducing both energy consumption and lower energy bills.
You can also use smart thermostats to optimize heating and air conditioning. They help tenants and managers control indoor temperatures efficiently, saving energy and creating cost savings.
Incorporate renewable energy
Adding renewable energy like solar panels can cut down the use of non-renewable energy. Installing solar panels can power things like water heating and lighting in common areas.
The upfront cost might be higher, but they save money over time and attract tenants and property owners who care about the environment.
Optimize landscaping with native plants
Native plants need less water and care because they are suited to the local climate. They also support local ecosystems. Combine them with efficient watering systems, like drip irrigation, to save even more water.
Build with sustainable materials
Use sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, or recycled metal when building or renovating. These options are better for the environment and often last longer. Adding green roofs or walls can also improve energy efficiency and create a healthier space.
Helping Tenants and Guests Choose Sustainable Habits
Teaching your tenants about small actions they can take to promote sustainability makes a big difference. For example:
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth can save gallons of water.
Running full loads of laundry instead of smaller ones reduces water consumption.
Adjusting smart thermostats to energy-saving settings can lower energy use.
You can provide these tips and other sustainable initiatives through newsletters, posters, or apps. Make sure to keep the messages clear and simple so it's easier for everyone to understand and get involved.
Sharing clear information about water use can also help tenants take responsibility. Smart water meters or micrometers show real-time water usage, making it easier for tenants to find ways to save. Sub-metering systems that charge tenants based on their actual water use promote fairness and encourage better habits.
Provide incentives for sustainable choices
You can also encourage tenants to take part by offering small rewards. For example:
Discounts on rent for tenants who reduce energy and water costs.
Gift cards for tenants who carpool or use public transport regularly.
Recognition programs for tenants who go above and beyond with
How DrizzleX Can Help You With Sustainable Property Management
DrizzleX makes it easy to manage your property in a more sustainable way. It spots hidden leaks, like running toilets or dripping faucets, that waste a lot of water. This helps you save millions of gallons and avoid big water bills. It also sends alerts when tenants use too much water, so they can cut back.
Typically, buildings that use DrizzleX reduce their water bills by 25-45% or more. And you can expect a pretty quick return on investment (ROI). Buildings with DrizzleX save enough water to cover the entire cost of DrizzleX within about 9 months on average.
Usage Reports
DrizzleX makes it easy to track water use with its “Tenant’s Overuse” report. Many people don’t realize how much water they waste, and these reports can help them cut back. You can share this data with tenants to show their water habits and help avoid unnecessary expenses.
Leak Detection
Some leaks are hard to find because they don’t leave visible signs. While property inspections can catch the obvious ones, hidden leaks often only show up in high utility bills. DrizzleX solves this by letting you monitor water flow in your building. It tells you exactly where water is being wasted and how much is being lost.
E-mail Notifications
When DrizzleX finds a leak, you’ll get an email alert with all the details. The message tells you which apartment or fixture is causing the problem, how much water is being wasted, what it could cost if not fixed, and tips on how to solve the issue. This makes managing water problems faster and easier.
Billing
DrizzleX also lets you create water bills for your tenants. When tenants pay for their water use, they’re more likely to save water. You can bill them fairly based on their actual usage, making water costs clear and manageable for everyone.
FAQs About Sustainable Property Management
What is ESG in property management?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. In property management, it focuses on eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, social responsibility, and strong management policies.
What is a sustainable property?
A sustainable property is designed or managed to reduce harm to the environment. It uses resources like energy and water efficiently and supports green practices.
What is meant by sustainable management?
Sustainable property management means using resources wisely to meet today’s needs without harming the future. This type of real estate management focuses on reducing waste and protecting the environment.
What is green property management?
Green property management involves using eco-friendly practices to run a property. This includes saving energy, reducing water use, and cutting waste to improve both outdoor and indoor environmental quality.
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