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What does this blog post have in common with the incredible hulk?  We’re both going green!  In fact, we’re dedicating not just one, but three blog posts to environmental activism. Our hope is that this three-part series will  help you become an environmentally friendly, green machine. In Part I, you will learn how to make environmentally friendly renovations and repairs. In Part II, you’ll learn quick money saving tips that also benefit the environment and, in Part III, you will learn how your tenants can get in on the action.

When renovating your unit, the trick is to balance the feasible changes that will increase the value of your rental AND those that will help the environment. There are many choices, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best options out there.

Take a look at our list below.

Use Eco-Flooring

If you’re going to spend the time and money replacing any type of flooring in your unit, consider going green. For example, bamboo floors make a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors. They look great, are resistant to insects and moisture, and are so durable, you can let your tenant skateboard on the floor without any worries! Technically speaking, bamboo is a grass, not a wood, and grows considerably faster than maple, oak, and other hardwoods, making it extremely renewable and eco-friendly. But bamboo is exotic and will cost a fortune to import, right? Think again! Bamboo costs about $4.85/sqft, which is about half of what maple floors cost. The real question then becomes, why wouldn’t you choose bamboo? Eco Friendly Flooring is an awesome place to start exploring alternative flooring that is affordable and environmentally friendly. Green America also has some great tips and links to other environmental flooring companies.

Save Water

As we continue to deplete our freshwater resources, choosing the right plumbing fixtures and appliances for your unit is more important than ever. Fortunately, plumbing fixtures that help the environment will also save you money. According to one study, if one out of every 10 homes in the United States upgraded to water-efficient plumbing (toilets, sinks, showers,etc.), the U.S. could save more than 300 billion gallons and nearly $2 billion annually. How does that translate to you personally? The EPA estimates that a family of four saves $90 annually and $2000 for the duration of the fixture! The EPA has a great resources page with links to plumbing fixtures that are eco-friendly.

Forget Drywall

According to a study by Popsci, drywall is the third highest contributor to greenhouse gases among building materials. Fortunately, EcoRock, a recent breakthrough in environmental technologies, is an innovative product made from almost 85% recycled materials. EcoRock takes less energy to produce and is made up of compounds that are impervious to termites and mold. Talk about a life-savior! Right now, EcoRock costs about the same as regular drywall, so what are you waiting for?

Invest in Renewable Energy

You’ve seen the rising gas prices lately; fossil fuels are expensive and we’re guzzling through our limited resources faster than ever before. Don’t believe us? The research doesn’t lie. The graph below shows the energy obtainable from fossil fuels as a function of time.

Want to save money and the environment? Think renewable. Solar panels are becoming more mainstream every year. Costs vary based on the type of building and surrounding space, but this online calculator will give you a pretty accurate estimate for your unit. Generally, renewable energy pays for itself within six years for most residential buildings, and is a nice tax write off! What’s to lose! Companies like Green Power Works Inc, based in the Midwest, will work with you to find the best renewable option for your building.

Takeaways

Overall, these improvements to your unit will really make a difference in the environment, not to mention save you a hefty amount in bills. For some inspiration, (and cool photos), check out our Pinterest board, Remodeling 2.0: Affordability and Sustainability. Do as much as you can, and spread the word about your improvements. The more people who get on board with your movement, the healthier our planet will be, and don’t forget to stay tuned for Parts II and III of the environmental series!

Join our community of responsible landlords and tenants.

Written by Emily Bauersfeld.