 Greetings!
For the last couple years "green" building has been all the rage. However, due to higher costs, green vs. conventional, was more a personal philosophy statement as opposed to an economical decision. And in hard times, penny pinching overrulled and more costly green alternatives were over-looked for more economic conventional materials.
However, as the economy recovers, and green products' pricing comes more in-line with conventional comparables, it might be time to start looking at green alternatives.
As San Francisco leads the nation in environmental stewardship, it is up to us landlords to bring green to our buidlings in order to attract quality tenants with eco-friendly lifestyles.
While you may not be inclined to spend additional money on making your building "green" in order to attract eco-minded tenants, many "green" upgrades can actually save you money in the end. And as I said, many green products are now price comparable with their conventional counterparts. It's a win-win situation.
Best, Natalie Drees
Lingsch Realty |
| GOING GREEN FOR YOUR TENANTS AND SAVING MONEY FOR YOU |
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Below are a couple improvements you can make that will provide the "green" attraction for eco-minded tenants, while saving you some money.
- Invest in low-flow (1.2 gallons per flush) or dual flush control (0.9/1.6 gallons per flush) toilets
- Buy a dual flush conversion kit for existing toilets. The Simple Flush model purports to save about $100 per year per fixture.
- Use low or no-VOC paints. Kelly Moore now sells these at the same price as regular paint.
- Install formaldehyde-free insulation. At the same price as the popular pink product, and with rising concerns that formaldehyde will be considered in the same class of toxicity as asbestos, which would increase disposal fees in the future, it's an economical no-brainer.
- Purchase Energy-Star related appliances
- Replace old boiler systems with newer models and take advantage of the San Francisco Boiler Systems Incentive Program, as well as a capital improvement pass through to your tenants.
- Donate usable construction waste to Building Resources. They accept old doors, windows, trim, cabinets, countertops, tile, etc. The benefit to you? A nice tax write-off. The benefit to our planet? These items stay out of landfills.
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