Eco-consciousness is no longer a business buzzword. It is a responsibility every organisation needs to fulfil, regardless of its size, scale, and domain. The scope for sustainability is higher in some industries like manufacturing, energy, and construction. So business owners in these sectors must go the extra mile to make a difference. Real estate developers are in a better place to make a green impact with sustainable choices and practices. Here are some ways to do your bit for the environment as a real estate developer.
Choosing eco-friendly building materials gives you a good start with eco-friendliness. Essentially, these are renewable options and are sourced locally to minimise the carbon footprint of the building. Stone, bamboo, rammed earth, recycled glass, reclaimed wood, and recycled plastic are a few examples of sustainable building materials. Thorough research about the cost, availability, and durability enables you to choose wisely.
You can do your bit for eco-friendliness by reworking building practices and sticking with ones that limit the carbon footprint of your projects. A sustainable design is a good place to start as it aims to create energy-efficient buildings that rely on natural lighting and ventilation. Installing LED lights, solar panels, and smart thermostats is a good option. Consider renovation and repurposing instead of starting from scratch wherever possible. Embracing sustainable building practices makes your business eco-conscious in the long haul.
Construction affects the environment directly and indirectly, so the authorities have stringent laws to minimise the overall impact of the real estate industry. Builders must follow the Environmental Permitting rules for every project they undertake. Not adhering to them can land your business in a fix with penalties and delays. Moreover, staying on track with green permits and certifications helps fulfill your environmental responsibilities.
Eco-consciousness is not only about limiting the carbon footprint of your business and projects. It is also about working with like-minded vendors, from material suppliers to HVAC providers and landscaping services you choose to work with. Dig deep to ensure that your suppliers and service providers follow the sustainability rules. Create long-term collaborations with partners you trust so that you need not worry about going wrong with your materials and practices down the line.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be your top priority when it comes to doing your bit for the environment. Consider embracing a science-based target approach to keep your carbon emissions as low as possible. You can pick innovative practices and technologies to accomplish the goal. For example, switch to electric vehicles, minimise transportation by sourcing locally, and automate whatever possible. Going paperless in your back office is also a small step that takes your business a long way.
As a real estate developer, you can do much to minimise the environmental impact of your business. Going green also enhances your reputation and profitability as these projects are in demand. The sooner you embrace these measures and practices, the better it is for your business and the environment.
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