Two Big Ways to be a “Greener” Property Manager

Two Big Ways to be a “Greener” Property Manager

Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by Marc Courtenay in Greener Properties

It’s never been more socially popular and rewarding to be an environmentally-sensitive professional that cares about conserving our natural resources.

Owners and residents, young and old, want to do their “green bit”. They want to own or live in rental units that are energy-efficient, save money, and contribute to the solution to our global climate challenge.

Flush with Pride
One of the big ways to conserve water and to demonstrate that you’re a green property manager is to install toilets that use less water. Water-saving toilets are now standard on all new construction because of a 1992 federal mandate for plumbing fixture manufacturers.

Also known as low-flow toilets, water-saving toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) of water or less, compared with older toilets that use 3.5, 5.0, and up to 7.0 gpf.

There are even 1.6 gpf models which significantly reduce the amount of fresh water consumed and the corresponding amount of black-water generated. For example, using a 1.0 to 1.6 gpf toilet instead of 3.5 gpf models cuts indoor water use by more than 15%; when used instead of a 5.0 gpf toilet, it cuts water use by 20—25%.

That can save a great deal of money when you begin to consider the annual savings times the number of units that have a low-flow toilet. And incidentally, they work well and perform effectively.

Today’s high-performing, low-flow models do remove waste as efficiently, or more efficiently, than conventional toilets while using much less water. That’s why they are becoming so popular and considered by some property managers as an upgrade.

So everyone including the owner and the resident comes out a winner with a low-flow toilet. Check with your local water department to see if there is any state or regional incentives (i.e. rebates) for replacing older, water-wasting toilets.

Eco-friendly Flooring
The next time you have to replace the carpet in a rental unit, consider carpet that is made from sustainable, non-toxic materials.

Some new carpets contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are emitted as gases and can have a negative health impact if inhaled.

When exposed to VOCs people may experience a wide range of nasty symptoms that can include nose and throat discomfort, headache, nausea and allergic skin reaction.

Learn more on this topic and other “green” ideas at the following web address: http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/bp_interior_finishes/article/0,2617,HPRO_20148_3463293,00.html

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Related Posts
8 Ways You Can Run a Greener Property Management Business
Creating Your Reputation as a “Green” Property Manager
What is Green Property Management?
Water and Energy: An Intimate Connection
Rethinking the Toilet

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4 Responses to “Two Big Ways to be a “Greener” Property Manager”

  1. Elizabeth Madrigal

    09. Apr, 2010

    It thrills me when I read an article like this. Before people were aware of the off-gasing issue – I have always felt nauseous within a few minutes of being in a new car or around new carpet with VOCs – less-sensitive types would look at me like I was a hypochondriac. Thanks for the validation.

    Reply to this comment

  2. Marc Courtenay

    12. Apr, 2010

    I really appreciate this kind of feedback. Your reactions to toxic materials and fumes are quite normal.

    Reply to this comment

  3. Jim Corcoran

    13. Feb, 2011

    Hi Marc,

    I had heard of the NARPM, because of my study of RE Investing with Dave Lindahl of MA. I have been sidelined from my career in construction, so I decoded to get some training in Sustainable Building. In my class this week, we had a presenter who has been in the leadership in green building for over 25 years.

    A terrific Power Point slide in the class showed the huge impact of VOC’s in carpet, as opposed to every other material in construction.

    I am in a process of ‘re-careering, and have chosen a hybrid of several areas of deep attachment, Aging, the Arts, Community and Housing. My Aging Artfully Initiative is well along a Pre-development Planning Process for our first building in Portland OR.

    Can you suggest a leader/mentor in the Portland are who may be interested in my efforts, and perhaps guide me to build a viable career in Green Property Management?

    Please check out http://www.agingartfully.org.

    Thank you for your leadership, and your encouragement to the green professionals in your industry.

    Jim Corcoran
    971-563-3694

    Reply to this comment

  4. Marc Courtenay

    16. Feb, 2011

    Thanks for the interesting comment Jim. I like your web site and the concept of baby-boomers and seniors helping each other and pulling together.
    I’m not aware of a industry leader who you may be available to help and guide you to a career in Green P.M. One idea would be to look into your own consulting business that could make your services available to property managers in the greater Portland area. Also, Oregon Public Broadcasting and their web site may be a good place to start learning more about the opportunities that may be available to you. Also check out the “job-hunting” section at http://www.aarp.org/, and also join a business-networking site like LinkedIn. I wish you the very best and if I learn of any other specific ideas I’ll let you know.

    Reply to this comment

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