Smart Solutions for an Eco-Friendly Rental Property | How Technology Can Help

The 2023 short-term rental trend forecast by Forbes predicts an increasing focus on sustainability in the industry due to travelers' growing environmental awareness. Eco-friendly rental properties are imperative in an increasingly eco-conscious world, and necessary when appealing to travelers who prioritize living sustainably... Adding eco-friendly measures to your rental property can benefit you in several ways, including reducing your carbon footprint and saving you money.

Why Opt for Eco-Friendly Smart Solutions for Your Rental Property?

According to Booking.com’s sustainability survey, 81% of travelers prefer to stay in sustainable accommodations, which means that property managers and owners must prioritize environmentally friendly features and practices in their rentals to meet these demands. This could involve switching to energy-efficient appliances, installing high-efficiency lighting,, or adhering to recycling programs. Property managers must also properly promote their eco-friendly efforts and practices, as travelers will likely seek short-term rentals aligning with their sustainability values.

As a host, you can play an essential role in making your rental properties more eco-friendly by reducing your carbon footprint. It is not only beneficial to your health and the environment to use eco-friendly initiatives, but it also makes your property more appealing to prospective guests as well.

There are numerous ways to make your property more environmentally friendly. Let's explore some of the most impactful steps you can take.

Smart Solutions for Creating an Eco-Friendly Rental Property

Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

Installing energy-efficient appliances is an excellent way to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills for property managers and hosts.

ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, are designed to use less energy without sacrificing performance. As a result, these make for excellent rental appliances.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Using eco-friendly cleaning products around your property is a simple but effective way to make your rental property greener. They're typically made with natural ingredients and are chemical-free, making them safer to use, and they’ll have less impact on indoor air quality for guests. If you’re using a cleaning company, be sure to find one that uses eco-friendly products.

When choosing cleaning products for your Airbnb listing, it's essential to prioritize sustainability and environmental friendliness. Look for reputable certifications and labels that guarantee the products meet high standards of safety and eco-friendliness.

Some of the well-known certifications and labels include EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, Ecologo, and USDA Organic. These certifications indicate that the cleaning products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are free from toxic ingredients and have been proven to be safe and effective. By opting for cleaning products with these certifications and labels, you can provide a healthier and more sustainable environment for your guests while showcasing your commitment to eco-conscious practices.

3. Sustainable Product Swaps

Commonly used products around your property often have reusable or eco-friendly alternatives. Some products you can easily swap for sustainable versions are:

• Reusable Paper Towels - Reusable paper towels work exactly like single-use paper towels, except they’re washed once dirty instead of thrown away. This also reduces the amount of money spent on paper products around your property.

• Refillable Soaps and Toiletries - With the rise in eco-conscious shoppers, it’s easier than ever to find stores that offer bulk/refillable products. An easy swap you can make is to purchase soap/shampoo dispensers that you can refill from bulk rather than purchasing individual plastic dispensers that get thrown away once the product is gone. This method may also be easier on the wallet over time as you save money buying in larger quantities.

• Refillable Water Jugs - If the tap water is potable at your property, you could offer guests a refillable water pitcher that goes into the fridge to stay cool. You can even look into using a filtered pitcher if you want to help improve the quality of the water. If your water isn’t potable, you can look into offering a refillable jug inside a cooler that is purchased and exchanged at a local shop. To go a step further, include some reusable water bottles in your kitchen to offer guests an easy portable option for when they’re on the go.

4.Water Conservation

As part of creating an eco-friendly rental property, consider water conservation.

For instance, by installing low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets, you will save on utility bills and save water. As the property manager, you can also consider installing rainwater harvesting systems that allow the property to use rainwater for irrigation, thus reducing the property's water consumption further.

5. Solar Panels and Lighting

Investing in solar panels for rental properties is a long-term decision that reduces energy costs and generates clean energy.

Property managers who wish to reduce their properties' carbon footprint and save money on utility bills will find this an excellent option. Although installing solar panels can be expensive upfront, the long-term benefits of reduced energy costs and a more sustainable building are worth considering.

You may also wish to install LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights use less energy and last longer, which saves money on utility bills and reduces the property's carbon footprint.

LED lights use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, which is an effective way to save energy. They also have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Further, they do not emit excess heat, translating into less energy wasted.

6. Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is an innovative solution for creating an eco-friendly rental property. Property managers can use smart home devices to control lighting, heating, and cooling systems, significantly reducing energy consumption.

Smart thermostats, for example, can learn the guest's preferred temperature settings and adjust the temperature automatically, which saves energy and money on utility bills.

For Instance, we recommend Lynx, which is PMS Integrated for home automation for Thermostats.

7. Using Sustainable materials

You can also renovate or build an eco-friendly rental property using sustainable flooring, countertops, and cabinets.

Sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, and reclaimed wood make a property eco-friendly and give it an elegant and distinctive appearance.

8. Recycling and Composting

Setting up a recycling system in rental properties is essential for reducing waste and creating a sustainable living environment. Property managers can inform guests on how to recycle while staying on the property and encourage them to participate in the recycling program.

Property managers can also consider composting organic waste to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. This might involve taking part in your local green bin program, or installing a composter directly on your property.

In a nutshell,

Investing in eco-friendly rental properties is an investment for the future of our planet that can benefit both property managers and guests. Adding these smart solutions to your properties can help create more sustainable communities as property managers.

It is not only beneficial to the environment to transform your rental property into an eco-friendly space, but it also attracts environmentally conscious guests and willing to pay a premium for sustainability. In addition, creating a more attractive and comfortable living space for potential guests can be achieved by reducing your carbon footprint.