Whether it’s shopping with reusable bags, driving an electric vehicle, or composting food waste, there are many ways to embrace green living. Environmentalism has been a concern for many and now sustainable living has moved to the forefront of residents’ minds. The result is a desire to maintain a lifestyle that minimises one's impact on Earth's natural and limited resources.
Renters are not immune to this lifestyle shift. In an age when many people choose to rent, consumers are searching for amenities that align with their values. Sustainability has become a popular topic amongst today's renters.
The good news is that housing providers can easily add a green element to their developments with smart home technology. Read on to learn about the growing call for sustainability and how smart home technology can optimise efficiency and “green up” your space.
Request a free consultation with one of our solution engineers to see how we can bring eco-friendly options to your properties.
A Shift in Consumer Preferences
Though Britons have long been in favour of environmental action, these attitudes are now more deeply rooted than in years gone by. In 2021, 8 in 10 Britons recycle daily, and 88% of us feel a personal responsibility to sustainable living. 79% of Britons polled by Good Housekeeping UK are willing to alter their lifestyles for the better of the planet.
Sustainability is also a major topic of interest in the Cabinet. Last autumn, Boris Johnson introduced a 10-point environmental bill. The bill sparks what The Guardian calls a “green industrial revolution.” This proves that sustainability isn’t a current trend, but a much larger movement toward long-term environmentalism.
Those of us in the UK aren’t the only ones focused on sustainability. Since the start of the pandemic in Spring 2020, 60% of global consumers have made more sustainable or ethical purchases. Sustainability is becoming a priority for people worldwide, whether they are buying personal items or making larger decisions about the lifestyles they lead.
Sustainability and Smart Home Technology
Smart home integration may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about sustainable practices. Yet, smart home technologies that detect leaks, manage access, and control thermostats and plugs help residents live more sustainably.
What makes access-controlled doors eco-friendly?
First, SmartRent’s keyless entry locks for apartments and other services are wireless and cloud-based. Because the platform can “rest” when not in use, wireless access control uses less energy than traditional wired solutions.
Contactless, remotely managed technologies also reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, as they eliminate the need for off-site employees to travel to the property.
Smart plugs, thermostats and leak detection systems all increase the efficiency of historically costly processes. Smart plugs and thermostats allow residents to automate how they light, heat and cool their homes, even when away from home.
Leak detection devices do what they promise: prevent catastrophic leaks. Considering that 2,954 million litres of water are lost to leaks every day across England and Wales, this is a particularly impactful advantage.
Go Green and Boost Revenue
Aside from improving spaces' livability, there are financial perks in store for those who embrace sustainable proptech. Energy claims nearly 20% or one-fifth of total expenditure for a typical building. Decrease energy use by 10%, and Energy Star finds that you’ll increase your NOI by 1.5%. That could increase a 200k square foot asset value by £500k.
Not to mention, consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable features, resulting in higher rent premiums. Millennials, who pay 60% of all rent in the UK, are willing to pay 20% more for smart home integration. Gen Z renters are also invested in sustainable smart tech and are willing to pay 10% more for green products.
Smart home tech is a natural fit for consumers’ eco-friendly lives. Smart home technology can help residents and property owners alike reduce their carbon footprint, conserve resources, and save money.
SmartRent has partnered with leading real estate developers and management companies to meet and exceed residents’ sustainable living standards with automated smart home technology. Schedule a demo to learn more about SmartRent’s services in the UK.