Make Your Rental More Eco-Friendly with Renovations
With environmental concerns growing more prominent every day, it’s no surprise that renters are prioritizing eco-friendly living options. As a rental owner, you have a great opportunity to make a positive environmental impact by incorporating green renovations into your property. From energy-efficient appliances to eco-friendly materials, there are countless ways to make your rental more sustainable. Not only will this attract environmentally-conscious tenants, but it can save you money on utility bills in the long run. Here are some tips for making your rental more eco-friendly with renovations.
Benefits of Eco-Rental properties
When you invest in eco-friendly renovations for your rental, you’ll be providing tenants with an environmentally-responsible living space. Not only will they appreciate the eco-friendly features that you have installed, but their utility bills will also benefit. This means that as a landlord, you could potentially charge slightly higher rent than other non-green rentals on the market to cover the cost of these renovations.
Prioritize Energy Efficiency
One of the best ways to make your rental more eco-friendly is to prioritize energy efficiency. Start by replacing old, outdated appliances with energy-efficient models. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when shopping for refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances. Upgrading to LED light fixtures can also significantly reduce energy usage and lower utility bills.
Another option is to install a programmable thermostat to regulate heating and cooling. This can help maintain a comfortable temperature while using less energy. Additionally, ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.
Choose Eco-Friendly Materials
When renovating your rental, choose eco-friendly materials whenever possible. This not only benefits the environment but can also be more cost-effective in the long run. For example, bamboo flooring is a renewable resource that is more durable than hardwood and can last for decades.
Another option is to use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint. These products emit fewer harmful chemicals and can improve indoor air quality. Additionally, recycled or reclaimed materials can add character to your rental while reducing waste.
Incorporate Sustainable Landscaping
It’s not just the inside of your rental that can benefit from eco-friendly renovations. Incorporating sustainable landscaping can improve outdoor aesthetics while reducing water usage and waste. Consider planting native plants that are well-suited to the climate and require less water and maintenance.
Additionally, incorporating rain gardens and rain barrels can reduce runoff and provide irrigation for your plants. Mulching can also help retain moisture in the soil and reduce weed growth. These sustainable landscaping practices not only benefit the environment but can also attract tenants who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Strategically planting trees around your home can improve ventilation by allowing the wind to enter. By carefully planning, you can place deciduous trees in sunny areas to shield against the harsh summer sun while permitting warm winter sunlight to enter.
Keep It Free From Pests
Ensuring that your rental is free from pests is imperative as it upholds a standard that you must adhere to as a landlord and facilitates a clean and healthy living environment for tenants. The key to achieving this is implementing preventative measures to guarantee long-term sustainability. It can be beneficial to partner with a company like Aptive Pest Control Indiana, as they can conduct thorough routine inspections to identify any possible entry points and address them promptly. By resolving any underlying issues, you create a more eco-friendly solution that prevents future pest infestations, thereby minimising environmental impact in the long run and reducing the need for ongoing treatments.
Use Green Cleaning Products
Cleaning products can have a significant impact on indoor air quality and the environment. Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory or skin irritation. Opt for green cleaning products, which are made from natural or biodegradable ingredients and are less harmful to both people and the environment.
Consider switching to vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners instead of harsh chemicals. Additionally, choose cleaning products that are packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials to further reduce waste.
Waste Disposale Responsible
The waste generated from renovations can have a negative impact on the environment. To be more eco-friendly, it’s important to dispose of materials responsibly. Start by separating recyclables like cardboard, paper, glass, and plastics into separate bins. These materials can often be recycled or donated for reuse.
For non-recyclable items, investigate local disposal options such as landfill waste for organic materials or hazardous waste disposal for potentially dangerous items. Additionally, consider using a dumpster service to separate and properly dispose of debris from your renovation project. There are many dumpster services available for you to use, so it is best to do your research before deciding on one so you can make sure that you use a reliable and fast service. Taking a look at Waste Removal USA, and similar others, will help show you what may be best so you can keep to your timeline.
Rentals and Laws about Energy Efficiency
Starting soon, homes with low energy efficiency ratings will be prohibited from the rental market, unless they undergo renovations to make them more eco-friendly. In Paris, for instance, if buildings fail to comply with sustainable laws, they will be removed from the Airbnb platform. This is a significant step towards promoting sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprint in the housing sector.
Conclusion
Making eco-friendly renovations to your rental property can have a positive environmental impact while also providing tenants with a sustainable living space. From energy-efficient appliances to green cleaning products, there are countless ways to make your rental more eco-friendly. Not only will this attract environmentally-conscious tenants, but it can also save you money on utility bills in the long run.
