Sustainable property management is better for the environment, kinder to your residents and commercial tenants, and can also reduce the costs associated with running a building. Try these simple tips to make the switch to eco-friendly property management.
Adopt sustainable cleaning practices
If you are using bleach and other toxic chemicals to, consider switching to a more environmentally-friendly solution. There are all sorts of sustainable products on the market, such as the iClean Mini. This is a device which uses electrodes to transform tap water into an effective cleaning solution that kills more germs than bleach, while avoiding harm to the environment.
Maximise energy efficiency
As well as being an easy way to implement green property management and meeting Energy Performance Certificate requirements, cutting down on wasted energy will save on running costs. Ensure that your windows and doors provide maximum insulation, and install energy-efficient appliances to reduce the overall energy output in the building. Use a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of the building and ensure that you are not wasting energy on heating. Commercial property landlords should consider LED lighting, for example, to maximise energy efficiency.
Save water
How much water is being wasted in your building? Carry out an audit to identify any areas for action. It’s possible to conserve a significant amount of water by choosing efficient taps, toilets and other appliances. In addition, of course, it’s important to identify and fix the source of any leaks promptly.
Offer extra recycling services
Are your residents or commercial tenants able to recycle their waste easily? Although basic waste disposal services will be provided by the council, you could offer extra recycling facilities if there is a need.
Save energy with eco-friendly lighting
Did you know that the average one-bedroom flat in a tower block burns through one tonne of carbon every year, in lighting usage alone? You can reduce the amount of energy used for lighting in your building by switching to lower-energy lighting options, such as LEDs or Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Smart technologies like timers, daylight sensors and motion-activated lighting are all energy-saving options for lighting your building in communal areas.
Use planet-friendly pest control
Pest control is sometimes necessary, but chemical control can have an adverse effect on the environment. To avoid this, ensure that preventative measures are in place to reduce the risk of infestation: secure your bins, block up any holes or other points of entry, and ask your tenants to maintain a basic level of hygiene in the building. If further action is needed, opt for non-toxic solutions such as traps and electronic devices where possible.
Go paperless
Whether it be commercial or residential, environmentally-friendly block management isn’t all about the property itself. Take the time to audit your office practices and make an effort to reduce waste there, too. By operating a paperless system and storing all of your documents in digital form, you could eliminate paper usage whilst increasing efficiency by enabling instant access to electronic files.
Carry out regular inspections
Sustainable property management requires regular input. By visiting the property regularly, you can nip any problems in the bud, and ensure that eco-friendly practices are being maintained. For advice about residential or commercial property management, contact a reliable block management company to carry out these inspections for you.