There’s no denying that the wave of eco-conscious tenants will continue to grow. Those armed with the knowledge and the desire to live as eco-friendly as possible make up a proportion of the population choosing to rent and, as such, will look at the rental market to find a home which is most suited to this lifestyle.

While not all properties can specifically cater to the need of tenants, there are plenty of adjustments and improvements one can make to a property to not only benefit it long term, but also help the environment, as well as the health and longevity of tenants.

Taking steps to make your property a little eco-friendlier will see a benefit to both you and future tenants.

Reducing energy consumption

Perhaps the most beneficial outcome for tenants is the ability to reduce the amount of energy they consume within a property. High water and energy consumption leads to high bills, something that most within the population can agree to be an ongoing challenge within the household budget. Through choosing energy efficient appliances, and LED lighting to replace traditional incandescent lights, not only will tenant’s experience a lower energy bill, but landlords may experience longevity in selected appliances.

Reducing water consumption

Australians are well versed in the importance of water saving and there are some changes you may be able to implement to help reduce your property’s water consumption. Installing low flow and water saving devices on faucets and showerheads can make a significant difference in the amount of water used daily. Extending to landscaping, choosing drought friendly vegetation and gardens that are native to the area in which your property is located can significantly reduce the amount of water needed to maintain the yard/garden. Not only will water usage remain low, but there is an added appeal of a low maintenance garden. If space and budget allow, you may consider the installation of a rain water tank, if only for the maintenance of outdoor spaces.

Renewable energy

The popularity of solar power has grown significantly over the past decades, and the technology to ensure properties are receiving the direct benefit has indeed come along in strides. The potential to generate renewable energy, thus reducing the household’s cost of electricity is one in which many have adopted. If you are considering installing solar in your investment property, ensure you do your due diligence and use reputable companies, in order to ensure you use the most appropriate set up for your property.

Eco-materials

There are a variety of eco and sustainable building materials and products on the market and if you have plans for renovating your investment, you may wish to consider such options. Older properties may benefit from improved insulation, and in doing so will have an immediate effect on the property’s energy consumption for both heating and cooling.

From small changes made between tenants and throughout maintenance requests, to larger investments in the longevity of your investment, a shift toward sustainability is a benefit to both you, the property owner, and your tenants.