SUSTAINABILITY
The Unexpected Benefits of a
Green Community
BY ASHLEY TYNDALL, CRITERION B
T
oday’s renters have come to
expect a level of sustainable
features in their apartment home,
from on-site recycling to energy-efficient
appliances, in addition to more unique
features like sustainable landscaping and
bike-sharing stations.
Green features that were once
considered a potential “fad,” are now
practically a requirement.
44 | TRENDS MAY 2019
According to the 2018 AMLI
Residential survey, 83 percent of renters
consider living in a green community as
beneficial to their health, and 59 percent
are even willing to pay more for this kind
of designation. higher rent than non-sustainable buildings.
Occupancy rates can also rise up to 23
percent higher for LEED apartments.
From short- and long-term investment
returns to increased resident retention,
there are many benefits for going
green. Some studies even show that
commercial and residential
green buildings
command up to
30 percent It’s no secret that sustainable living can
lower energy and water bills. What is lesser
known is that green features can increase
durability measures, thus reducing long-
term maintenance costs through improved
moisture management.
LOWER CONSTRUCTION &
MAINTENANCE COSTS
Efficient design can also lower
construction costs by avoiding excessive
waste and material use. For example,
efficient construction techniques eliminate
non-essential materials and provide
structural integrity, which can
provide more room for insulation
and reduce costs.
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