" Between June 2023 and June 2024 , $ 341 billion flowed into US commercial real estate , with $ 92.9 billion directed toward apartments . Denver captured just 1 % of the national total ."
behavior and adjust heating and cooling to save energy . According to the U . S . Department of Energy , smart thermostats can reduce energy use by up to 10-15 % annually .
LED Lighting : LED lights consume up to 90 % less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer . Many apartment complexes are swapping out standard lighting for LED options , and some are installing smart lighting systems that turn off when no one is in the room , further conserving energy .
Energy Star Appliances : Energy Star-certified refrigerators , dishwashers , and laundry machines are becoming a standard in sustainable apartments . These appliances use less water and energy than their non-certified counterparts , leading to cost savings and lower environmental impact .
Water Conservation : Fixtures , Landscaping , and Recycling
With water conservation becoming a priority in sustainable design , apartment communities are implementing innovative solutions to help reduce water waste .
Low-Flow Fixtures : Low-flow showerheads , faucets , and toilets reduce water use more than traditional fixtures . Many sustainable apartment complexes now install these fixtures to help reduce overall water consumption .
Rainwater Harvesting : In locations where water scarcity is an issue , rainwater harvesting systems are being introduced to capture and store rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation and landscaping . This reduces dependence on municipal water supplies and lowers overall water costs for property managers .
Greywater Recycling : Some communities are implementing greywater recycling systems that collect water from sinks , showers , and washing machines for reuse in toilets or irrigation . Although this system requires upfront investment , it can save significant amounts of water and reduce water bills over time .
Renewable Energy Solutions
Solar energy and other renewable energy sources are increasingly popular in the multifamily housing market . Not only do these solutions lower energy costs , but they also contribute to a cleaner , more sustainable environment .
Rooftop Solar Panels : Installing solar panels on apartment rooftops can offset some of the community ’ s energy needs . Solar energy can power shared spaces or supply energy to individual units . Many property managers are also exploring community solar options , allowing residents to buy into a shared solar array and receive a discount on their electricity bills .
Wind Power : Some larger apartment complexes experiment with small wind turbines to generate renewable energy . While not as widespread as solar , wind power offers additional green energy options in areas with abundant wind resources .
Battery Storage Solutions : To maximize the use of renewable energy , some apartments are integrating battery storage systems that store excess energy generated by solar panels or wind turbines . This stored energy can then be used during peak hours or outages , providing a reliable backup while reducing reliance on the grid .
Green Building Materials & Eco-Friendly Design
Sustainable construction is another essential component of green apartment living . Developers and property managers use eco-friendly materials and design techniques to lower the environmental impact of new developments and create healthier living spaces .
• Sustainable Building Materials : Materials like reclaimed wood , bamboo , recycled metal , and low-VOC ( volatile organic compound ) paints and finishes reduce pollution and minimize waste . Sustainable materials are often more durable and have less environmental impact than traditional building materials .
• Green Roofs and Living Walls : Green roofs and vertical gardens improve air quality and reduce building temperatures by providing insulation . In addition to lowering energy costs , these www . aamdhq . org 31 | TRENDS MARCH 2025