You often hear people looking for a ‘green’ apartment community or a sustainable apartment community, but what does that mean? In general, a green sustainable apartment community refers to the degree to which an apartment community is environmentally friendly and doing its part to conserve energy and reduce impact on the environment.
Green Community
Additionally, almost by definition, many of these sustainable eco-friendly apartment communities can save you (the renter) money by helping save on utility bills (assuming you are responsible for paying for utilities).
There is no exact definition on what constitutes a ‘green apartment’, and while the definition itself is not too important, you should be aware of several important elements that can make an apartment community green:
- EV chargers – Does the apartment have electric-vehicle (EV) car charges so that you, the resident can charge an electric car? If the apartment complex doesn’t have EV chargers, are they pre-wired for EV chargers?
- Is there green planting throughout – Trees and plants are crucial to not just aesthetics, but green landscaping has a variety of benefits including reduced noise in the neighborhood, reduced heating/cooling costs, and possibly the overall mental health and well-being of residents.
- Recycling – Does the building have a comprehensive program for recycling waste that is consumed by residents and management? Are there designated places to recycle?
- Green Roofs – Green roofs (or roofs that have green vegetation on them) have many eco-benefits including stormwater management, reduction of a heat island effect, energy efficiency (its natural insulation barrier serves to reduce heating/cooling costs), noise reduction, and more. Green roofs are great to have but they are expensive to install and require ongoing maintenance, making them a rare feature.
- Solar – Does the community have solar panels or alternative energy sources? Wind turbines are highly unlikely unless you are in a more rural area. And although they are more popular in some states (due to tax credits), solar is still a rare feature in apartment communities. However, if the apartment community has solar, to the extent such credits apply to the resident (you), it can help reduce your energy costs.
- Smart Thermostats – Smart thermostats such as Nest, Honeywell, and Ecobee, and others can detect temperature changes, resulting in a more efficiently run HVAC system, and cost savings. Energy savings can be as much as 23% per some experts.
- Efficient HVAC systems – Not all HVAC systems are equal. For example, PTAC HVAC systems can cost a resident significantly more (i.e. possibly $100/month) compared to energy-efficient mini-splits or other systems. Ask what kind of HVAC system you have and how energy-efficient it is.
- Energy Efficient Appliances – Are the key appliances such as refrigerator and oven/stove, energy-star certified?
- LED lighting – LED lights last longer, are more durable, and better-quality light. LED lights that are good quality can use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Ask if there is LED lighting in the interiors and exteriors (i.e. parking lot lights and lights around the building).
- Bike Racks – Does the community have ample bike parking to allow for residents who want to commute via bike as opposed to always running errands via car?
- Near public transit – Is the community near eco-friendly major public transportation? Similarly, is the apartment walkable to major common errands like stores, shops, and restaurants saving the amount of time needed to be in a car?
- Near Trails & Paths – is the apartment community near walking trails and parks? This can be great for overall health & well-being, as well as helping the environment stay green, as you don’t need to drive to the trails.
- Car Sharing – Does the apartment community have spots for common car-sharing programs like Zip car? If not, is a car-sharing location nearby?
- Insulation – Does the apartment have thick windows and good insulation? This can result in a major reduction in energy costs and lower your monthly utility bill.
- Use of sustainable materials – Did the building make efforts to use sustainable materials or consider recycling materials for reuse? For example, is it a historical building that has been adaptively re-used? If so, this can result in great sustainability as new construction materials were not required.
- Walkable Location – Is it near shopping and stores so that you can walk rather than drive (if that is your preference and you are able to).
- Healthy Lifestyle – Does it have features like a fitness center and gym?
While the definition of a green sustainable apartment is not too important, these features can all be considered. Hopefully, this article gives you a great start.
