Eco-friendly condos in Alberta and elsewhere are taking over the market, as more people acknowledge the need to collectively lessen our carbon footprints.

As more studies reveal the devastating effects of pollution, toxins, and wasted energy, condo developers and condo management teams are starting to emphasize green living, as well as put measures in place to create the best environmentally-friendly condo building for their residents.

That said, you may be wondering how condo management companies can make properties more eco-friendly. Below, you will find a list of tips to embrace sustainable, green, energy-conserving living.

7 Eco-friendly Condo Tips

1.    Install Energy-Efficient Appliances In All Units

Washers, dryers, refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, can account for nearly 20% of a total electric bill. Pretty costly, huh? According to think tank, Clean Energy Canada, implementing efficiency measures can save the average household up to $114 per year.

Although they may be slightly more expensive than traditional appliances, energy-efficient or smart appliances will help save more money in the long run. This may include the typical must-haves, along with smart thermostats and dimmable or motion sensor lighting.

2.    Use Recycled, Upcycled, and Reclaimed Materials In Units

Eco-friendly condos in Alberta and the surrounding areas are starting to realize the benefits, as well as the beauty of using reclaimed and recycled materials, which is one of the greenest things you can do.

Aside from being an environmentally sound choice, reclaimed or upcycled materials can add a unique look, style, and feel to floors, doors, windows, counter tops, and walls – and this is just scratching the surface.

3.    Encourage Residents To Recycle

As one of the 36 countries within the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canadians ranked 8th on the index – only recycling 20% of their waste (145 kg per capita per year). Yes, there is tremendous room for improvement, which is where condo management teams come in.

Condo management teams can magnify the notion of an environmentally-friendly condo building by implementing recycling programs, installing recycling units in convenient areas on the property, offering building-wide incentives, sharing pertinent recycling information with residents (ie. studies, research, benefits, etc.), offering demos and workshops on reusing or upcycling materials, and more.

4.    Use Low Or No VOC (volatile organic compound) Paints

Paint technology has evolved over the years; many brands offer paints with virtually no smell at all, not to mention the abundance of awesome colors to choose from. Again, you may ask how condo management companies can make properties more eco-friendly.

Management teams can offer incentives to buy and use low or no VOC paints; partner with local hardware stores to offer discounts to residents; and/or educate residents on the benefits of using these types of paints, which are earth-friendly.

5.    Cover the Costs Of Water and Energy Bills (Up to a Specified Maximum)

In an effort to curb the overuse of water and electricity, many condo management companies are standing out from the crowd by offering to pay a portion of monthly water and energy bills. This incentive easily tops the list of eco-friendly condo tips.

Additional steps that can be taken to save water and electricity are: take shorter showers; turn the water off when brushing teeth; unplug appliances and devices when not in use; adjust thermostats according to the season and day or evening; turn off lights when not in use; and consider weatherstripping to conserve energy and spend less.

6.    Encourage Conscious Consumerism

Another way condo management teams can create an eco-friendly condo community is to start the conversation around the role residents’ play as consumers. Incite residents to support local businesses, and eat locally and seasonally by designating areas around the condo property for produce or CSA (community sponsored agriculture) pick-ups.

Additionally, teams can develop a community gardening program, promote composting and its benefits, and educate residents on food waste and how to avoid it.

7.    Promote Health and Wellness

More and more, eco-friendly condos in Alberta, as well as other areas, are putting measures in place to foster the health and well-being of residents, while helping to protect the environment.

From developers building in walkable areas and condo management teams implementing residential health programming to promoting carpooling and providing ample bike storage to encourage less driving, residents, condo developers, and management teams have a part to play in fostering an eco-friendly condo community.

An environmentally-friendly condo building is achievable, especially when all parties are on the same page and value green initiatives.

By making a few simple changes, including the change of mindset, to improve energy use, decrease carbon footprint output, and reduce pollution and toxins, not only can we all benefit, the planet will be thankful.

Are you a board member or resident at one of our managed condominium Management Company? Are you interested in learning more about eco-friendly community living? Contact us today. We’d be happy to answer any questions!