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Smart home technology is transforming more than just the resident experience—it’s also helping multifamily operators meet ambitious ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals.
As investors and regulators increase their focus on sustainability, safety and transparency, owners and operators are looking for efficient, cost-effective ways to meet these expectations.
SmartRent’s connected platform supports ESG initiatives across all three pillars—environmental, social and governance—helping communities stay compliant, attract ESG-conscious residents and future-proof operations.
#1. Reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions
Smart home technology directly supports environmental sustainability by improving energy and water efficiency.
Residents can opt-in to having temperature settings adjust automatically based on presence, optimizing HVAC usage while maintaining their chosen comfort levels. Leak sensors detect water issues early—often before residents notice—minimizing waste and preventing costly damage. Furthermore, when residents move out, established temperature settings adjust automatically to save energy until the unit is leased again. Smart technology also allows properties to cut energy use in common areas.
Expanding these technologies across a portfolio can result in measurable reductions in utility costs and carbon footprint. With growing ESG regulations on the horizon, energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re quickly becoming essential.
These tools also align with sustainability benchmarks like LEED certification, Energy Star compliance and state-level building performance standards—giving operators a leg up with regulators and investors. Smart tech doesn’t just reduce costs—it helps build a more resilient, future-ready portfolio.
#2. Improve resident safety and experience
ESG isn’t just about sustainability—it’s also about creating safe, inclusive and high-quality living experiences.
SmartRent’s access control solutions improve both security and convenience with mobile credentials, touchless entry and time-based access permissions. Self-guided tours give prospects greater privacy and convenience, while our Work Management platform streamlines maintenance requests and communication.
This technology helps properties respond faster and more transparently—key drivers of resident satisfaction and retention.
By reducing friction and enabling residents to get the services they need on their own terms, operators can create a stronger sense of community and support inclusivity—core components of any social strategy.
In fact, many renters now cite maintenance responsiveness as a top factor in whether they renew their lease.
That responsiveness—enabled by smart tech—translates to real loyalty, better reviews and lower turnover.
#3. Increase operational transparency and compliance
ESG-minded investors and regulators expect data, not promises. SmartRent’s platform helps multifamily teams meet these expectations with automated data collection and clear audit trails. With over 1.3 million devices currently installed in homes across the US, SmartRent provides a powerful infrastructure for generating quantifiable ESG-related data.
Access logs show vendor and staff history. Work Management tracks response times and service completion rates. Our centralized dashboard brings all this data together—making it easier to demonstrate compliance and track ESG progress.
These real-time insights support better decision-making, simplify audits and help build trust with residents, investors and regulatory bodies. They also enable properties to plan upgrades more effectively and set performance-based benchmarks portfolio-wide.
With built-in transparency and documentation, properties are better prepared for internal reviews, external audits and capital planning cycles.
#4. Make sustainability a leasing differentiator
As Gen Z and millennials dominate the rental market, ESG performance is increasingly influencing leasing decisions.
Today’s renters are looking for apartments that reflect their values—sustainability, social responsibility and tech-forward living.
SmartRent enables communities to meet these expectations at scale. Smart home features offer convenience and control. Access systems and amenity tools support flexible, connected lifestyles.
For operators, these upgrades create clear differentiation. By marketing ESG performance and smart features, properties can boost occupancy, earn rent premiums and strengthen brand loyalty.
In a market where renter expectations are rising, ESG-forward operations give you a measurable edge.
#5. Future-proof your portfolio against regulation
ESG regulations are evolving fast—and the bar is rising. From the SEC and EU to local jurisdictions, new requirements around energy efficiency, data reporting and governance are becoming the norm.
SmartRent’s infrastructure helps properties get ahead by automating data collection and simplifying compliance. Whether managing a single mid-market asset or a national portfolio, our solutions scale with your goals and budget.
That means operators can set ESG baselines, measure progress and implement improvements in phases—all while meeting stakeholder expectations.
In today’s regulatory environment, smart tech isn’t just a performance tool—it’s a compliance asset.
It empowers operators to be proactive—not reactive—in meeting ESG demands.
ESG performance made practical
Smart home technology is no longer just about convenience—it’s about value, impact and accountability.
By partnering with SmartRent, multifamily operators can accelerate ESG progress while improving operations and resident satisfaction.
From reducing emissions to streamlining audits and fostering community, smart tech is a strategic lever for ESG success. These benefits go far beyond box-checking: they drive brand trust, long-term resilience and resident loyalty.
SmartRent makes ESG progress tangible, scalable and tied to measurable results.
Whether you’re responding to investor pressure, preparing for regulation or simply aiming to do right by your residents and the planet, SmartRent can help.
Schedule a demo to get started today.