SUSTAINABILITY is more than a passing trend for business owners because most of them look forward to embracing it for the long haul. Surprisingly, entrepreneurs across all domains are keen to go green, and real estate is no exception. Although going green as a developer may sound like an uphill task, it is easier than you imagine. You only need to embrace a few sustainable construction practices to get a head start and build up from there. Here are some valuable tips for property developers looking to set up a sustainable business from scratch.
Understand the basics
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Starting from scratch gives you a chance to integrate sustainability into the core of your projects. But you must understand the basics of running a green business to take things in the right direction. The mindset is about ensuring as little environmental impact as possible. You can do it in more than one way, from limiting your carbon emission to optimizing resource use, reducing waste, and recycling whatever is possible. Think beyond the projects because going paperless with your backend process can also make a difference.
Pick green locations
Choosing green locations for your projects is perhaps the most significant aspect of setting up a sustainable land development business. Greenfield projects are ideal in this context because they provide a clean slate to work on. Also, ensure environmental due diligence while conducting different types of land surveying for your projects. Knowing that the land is not located in restricted areas gives you more than peace of mind. It also keeps your business safe from non-compliance penalties down the line.
Choose ideal construction materials
Renewable and locally-sourced construction materials are ideal for eco-friendly real estate projects. Likewise, considering thermal mass in every activity should be on top of your to-do lists if you want to run a sustainable real estate business. For example, brick, concrete, and masonry absorb warmth during the day and release it at night. Good insulation can help reduce the energy consumption of the property. Also, use no-VOC paints and polishes to prevent respiratory health issues for the residents.
Prioritize green designs
Besides choosing the right location and building materials for construction, you can go the extra mile by implementing green designs for your projects. Such designs inherently save space, facilitate the entry of natural light and fresh air, and optimize insulation for energy savings. You can bring green design experts on board from the outset to ensure every project follows the norms.
Invest in energy-efficient features
Including energy-efficient features in your projects is another surefire way to establish a sustainable land development business. These include solar installations, water-saving fixtures, optimal insulation, smart devices, and LED lighting. Besides keeping you a step ahead of eco-consciousness, these features set you up for high profits. Buyers and investors are happy to shell out more for such properties, so they have excellent selling potential.
Setting up a sustainable property development business requires strategic planning. You can follow these steps to take your projects on the right track and earn a reputation for being eco-conscious.
