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Do Green Property Managers Attract More Considerate Residents?
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02 Oct 17
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Going green has become increasingly attractive and trendy as the people today are more conscious about the environment and about living the green habits. The advantages are there for all to see - not only are these practices better for the environment, it also lengthens the span of the property and is more cost efficient in the long run.


Today, many property managers are experiencing the benefits of going green. They understand the environmental benefits, but they also realize that they can save a significant amount of money. If you've been in management for many years, you've likely already addressed the main essentials of your building's eco-friendly performance. However, it is imperative to address the little things that can truly make a green community, green.

Boosting your property's energy efficiency not only makes it more desirable and saves money for the renters who live there, but makes the property a better investment. Making your home green can reduce waste and minimize pollutants while saving you money on your utility bills and attracts more responsible renters.

For both property managers and prospective tenants/residents, living a "green” lifestyle can have benefits on both on your personal life and the planet. Sustainable energy and green products can benefit your wallet, health, and your neighbours. Going green is beneficial monetarily and can improve your overall quality of life.

GUIDE TO GOING GREEN
Be an expert in "going green”, but then also be a good teacher as well. Educate your tenants, neighbours and friends on how to keep themselves and the property they are renting as healthy as possible. Here are some small steps you can take to make your community greener.

Green Landscaping
To reduce the use of water and chemicals, it's best to develop a high-performance landscape. You can provide sufficient soil and appropriate selection to minimize use of fertilizer, water, and maintenance. Planting a combination of trees, shrubs and perennial plants can also reduce maintenance and require less watering. For food production, consider developing a space for community gardens. It not only encourages residents to spend time outside but it also encourages them to care for outdoor areas around their building and to engage and socialize with their neighbours. Perhaps also have a composting bin or programme for residents. It is essential to make sure that the landscape is maintained properly.

Switch to LED or CFL Lights
Reduce the environmental footprint by replacing all the light bulbs with LED and CFL bulbs, which uses 75% less energy and lasts 10 to 25 times longer, compared to the standard incandescent bulbs. Both LED and CFL lights emit less heat, thus directly saves you more energy. Installing motion-sensor lights in non-essential areas for both inside and outside of the building can also save you valuable money and it also means that the lights will only come on when it needs too.

Create a Recycling Station
Make sure you have a designated recycling area with clearly labelled prints; paper, glass, plastic and metal and conduct more rigorous checks on the bins to increase recycling habits in your area. This itself will lead to a healthier environment and healthier lifestyle.

Repair Whenever Possible
Whether it's a porch railing or a dent to the roof, if you have a choice between repairing or replacing it, try to repair it first. Create a regular maintenance program to take care of the surrounding of your properties so that any small problems that come from the tenants can be solved easily.

Choose Low-VOC Products
If you're planning to renovate your property or painting walls in a new property, choose low-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) products that will reduce your environmental impact and improve your indoor air quality.

Choose Energy-Efficient Products
Look for new appliances that have the Energy Star label, because they use around 15% less energy than non-labelled appliances. Appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. Tenants love using these energy-efficient appliances because it costs them less money on their utility bills and produce less carbon footprint.

<>Find Durable Products
When you're purchasing goods for your property, look for affordability and durability. An investment in an appliance which is, for example, RM300 - RM400 cheaper is not much of an investment if the product breaks in less than 10 years instead of its 15 years guaranteed lifespan. Look at the complete life cycle of the product before purchasing it.

Going green can save you money in a variety of ways in the long run. For example, buying a Hybrid car will save you money in fuel costs and will get you a special discount as per the Government's incentives for hybrid cars. And Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular among Malaysian drivers!

Sure, the initial cost of installing solar panels in your home is costly, but in the long run, it will actually save you thousands in home energy costs. Solar energy is regarded a clean renewable energy source, with great potential for environment-friendly electricity generation. Obtain a couple of estimates from solar companies to see how feasible it would be to have them installed. To strengthen the development of green technology, the Government will continue to provide incentives in the form of investment tax allowance for the purchase of green technology assets and income tax exemption for the use of green technology services and system.

Many people today, especially those concerned with climate change, care about the advantages of sustainability and conservation. If you're able to tell potential tenants that your rental units meet energy-saving criteria, you're likely to find this an important attraction to a more caring group. Make your home greener today!

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