Building with Sustainability in Mind
By Lisa Nemeroff
Building with sustainability in mind can help to reduce the environmental impact of your property and create a more attractive and sustainable community for tenants, employees, and customers. Investing in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is a key component of this approach and can help to create a more convenient and sustainable transportation option.
If a developer seeks to build with sustainability in mind, here is a plan to follow:
- Set Sustainability Goals: The first step is to define the sustainability goals of the project. This could include energy efficiency targets, water conservation goals, and waste reduction objectives, among others. By setting clear goals, the developer can ensure that sustainability is prioritized throughout the project.
- Select a Sustainability Consultant: To ensure that sustainability is integrated into the project from the beginning, it may be helpful to work with a sustainability consultant who can provide guidance on best practices and help to identify opportunities for sustainability improvements.
- Design for Sustainability: During the design phase, the developer should consider incorporating sustainability features such as renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building systems, and sustainable building materials. This phase should also include consideration of sustainable transportation options and green spaces.
- Seek Certification: Seeking certification from organizations such as LEED, BREEAM, or WELL Building Standard can help to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and attract tenants who value sustainable buildings.
- Partner with Sustainable Suppliers: Throughout the construction process, it is important to work with suppliers who prioritize sustainability in their own practices. This includes using sustainable building materials and working with contractors who prioritize energy-efficient construction methods.
- Monitor and Track Sustainability: After the building is completed, it is important to monitor and track sustainability performance. This includes monitoring energy and water usage, waste production, and transportation emissions. By tracking sustainability metrics, the developer can identify areas for improvement and continuously work to reduce the environmental impact of the building.
- Communicate Sustainability Efforts: Finally, it is important to communicate the sustainability efforts of the project to tenants and stakeholders. This can include providing education on the sustainability features of the building, sharing sustainability metrics, and highlighting the benefits of sustainable living.
By following this plan, developers can ensure that sustainability is prioritized throughout the building process and create buildings that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and attractive to tenants who value sustainability. Building with sustainability in mind can also help developers to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and attract tenants who are willing to pay a premium for sustainable buildings.
Here are various ways to build with sustainability in mind.
- Energy Efficiency: Design buildings to be energy efficient with energy-efficient HVAC systems, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient lighting and EV chargers.
- Renewable Energy: Incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal heating and cooling systems.
- Water Conservation: Install low-flow toilets and showerheads, use drought-resistant landscaping, and consider incorporating rainwater harvesting systems.
- Building Materials: Use sustainable and environmentally friendly building materials such as recycled steel, bamboo, and reclaimed wood.
- Indoor Air Quality: Use low VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants, and incorporate adequate ventilation systems to promote healthy indoor air quality.
- Waste Reduction: Design buildings to reduce waste and promote recycling and incorporate composting systems to reduce organic waste.
- Green Roofs and Walls: Consider incorporating green roofs and walls to improve insulation, absorb stormwater, and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Transportation: Promote alternative transportation options such as EV charging stations, bike parking, and access to public transit.
- ESG Goals: Consider the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals of the building and incorporate sustainable practices that align with those goals.
- Certification: Seek certification from organizations such as LEED, BREEAM, or WELL Building Standard to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and attract tenants who value sustainable buildings.
In recent years, EVs have become increasingly popular as a more sustainable mode of transportation. As more people make the switch to EVs, the demand for charging stations has risen. Installing EV charging stations on properties is a simple and effective way to support sustainability while also providing a valuable service to customers or tenants. From increased foot traffic to potential cost savings, there are numerous ways properties can achieve their sustainability goals by installing EV charging stations.
Installing EV charging stations on properties can help to achieve several sustainability goals, including:
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: EVs emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional vehicles, which can help to reduce the carbon footprint of the property and contribute to overall sustainability goals.
- Promoting Sustainable Transportation: By providing EV charging infrastructure, the property can promote sustainable transportation options and encourage tenants to adopt EVs, which are a key component of sustainable transportation.
- Supporting ESG Goals: Investing in EV charging infrastructure can help to support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, which are becoming increasingly important to investors and tenants alike.
- Attracting Tenants: Providing EV charging infrastructure can help to attract tenants who value sustainability and convenient transportation options.
- Generating Additional Revenue: By selling electricity or charging for parking, the property can generate additional revenue and offset the cost of installation, contributing to overall financial sustainability.
In today’s world, sustainability is no longer an optional add-on but a fundamental requirement for businesses and property owners. By building with sustainability in mind and offering EV charging stations, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the environment, attract environmentally conscious customers, and support the transition to a more sustainable future.
As more people become aware of the environmental impact of their actions, offering EV charging stations can be a powerful way to differentiate your business and make a positive impact on the planet.
Lisa Nemeroff is the Director of Marketing for JuiceBar. She can be reached at Lnemeroff@juicebarcharger.com.