SUSTAINABILITY
Save Water
Owners can also limit storm runoff , lower irrigation costs , and landscape maintenance , and lessen the impact on waterways through sustainable site development practices . Additionally , water-efficient designs often lower owner costs for outdoor and common areas , as well as resident utility costs .
Smart irrigation controllers ensure your plants are watered and verify that your systems are performing correctly . There are also opportunities to use native plantings and replace turf with drip irrigation .
Improved Air Quality
By using sustainable materials and new installation techniques , the building can benefit from enhanced indoor air quality and lower transmission of sound and odors between units . Eco-friendly construction methods and materials also reduce contaminants introduced into the apartment air thanks to low levels of volatile organic compounds in sealants , coatings , paint , and adhesives .
Further , some apartments are promoting high air quality by automatically tracking and adjusting temperature and humidity for occupants . Automatic temperature adjustments reduce the need to heat or cool an apartment by utilizing tempered air from outside . This not only helps increase resident comfort and create a healthy living environment but also enhances energy efficiency .
Smart Lighting
While energy-efficient lighting is an essential sustainable feature , multifamily properties can kick it up a notch with smart lighting . What if your residents could wake up to a soft natural light that gradually increases in the morning and decreases to a warm glow in the evening ? Your multifamily property could install similar smart lighting features in your units , to promote resident health and wellness .
If smart lighting is outside your budget , consider retrofitting your property with LED lights . Using LEDs for common-area lighting is one of the most cost-effective measures for a property and can provide great returns .
Prepping Your Property for a Sustainable Future
From refrigerators that monitor residents ’ hydration levels to smart homes that analyze a unit ’ s air quality , technology is continually advancing and making it easier for apartment communities to incorporate green features into their units .
Sustainable living not only promotes healthy lifestyles but also increases energy efficiency and cuts costs . As a bonus , your property does not always have to break the bank to integrate sustainable design into the property . Residents increasingly desire sustainable living in their everyday , and the multifamily industry is in a great position to benefit financially from this rising demand .
Ashley Tyndall is the Chief Relationship Officer at Criterion . B Agency and Swiftly . www . aamdhq . org JUNE 2021 TRENDS | 27