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Key Takeaways:
Efficiency gains compound at scale: Even small per-unit utility savings (e.g., $10/month) translate into millions in annual ROI across large portfolios, making energy efficiency a strategic financial advantage.
Integrated smart solutions are key: Beyond smart thermostats, comprehensive systems incorporating smart lighting, leak detection and water heaters work together to drive significant, portfolio-wide energy consumption reductions.
Centralized control is critical: Platforms like SmartRent provide portfolio-level visibility into energy usage, enabling real-time responses, consistent improvements and unified energy strategies across thousands of units.
Simplify ESG reporting: Smart tech automates data collection and analysis, streamlining the complex process of tracking and reporting ESG metrics to meet internal benchmarks and external frameworks like GRESB and ENERGY STAR.
Direct financial & market benefits: Smart energy management directly improves NOI by lowering utility costs, reducing waste and preventing equipment failures, while also appealing to eco-conscious residents and ESG-focused investors, leading to premium rents and reduced risk.
As sustainability becomes a top priority for more multifamily leaders today, national REITs and large portfolio owners face a critical question: how do you make meaningful energy efficiency improvements without overwhelming operations or sacrificing ROI?
The answer lies in smart technology. With the right tools and applications in place, small per-unit savings can scale into significant environmental and financial impact across thousands of homes. For large operators, energy efficiency is no longer just a green initiative, it’s a strategic advantage.
The power of scale
When you're managing thousands or even tens of thousands of units, efficiency compounds quickly. For example, consider this: saving a mere $10 per month, per unit on utilities can amount to $1.2 million annually across a portfolio that operates 10,000 units.
These gains aren't just hypothetical, either. We hear it from our customers every day. They are already seeing measurable improvements in energy use, cost control and asset performance by deploying scalable solutions across their communities.
Smart thermostats and intelligent systems
At the very heart of energy efficiency is smarter, more efficient control over consumption. Smart thermostats are the most visible example, giving residents and operators the ability to quickly and easily:
Automate heating and cooling schedules
Adjust temperatures remotely
Set thresholds based on occupancy or weather conditions
But it’s important to keep in mind that the opportunity for saving doesn’t stop there. For instance, smart lighting systems reduce unnecessary usage in common areas. Leak detection sensors prevent water waste. Smart water heaters allow for usage tracking and optimized performance. When integrated through a central hub, these systems work together synergistically to drive portfolio-wide efficiency.
Centralized monitoring and control
One of the biggest barriers to energy efficiency in large portfolios is fragmentation. Without a unified system, it’s hard to benchmark performance or implement consistent improvements.
SmartRent’s centralized platform solves that problem. Operators gain portfolio-level visibility into energy usage, alerts and maintenance needs. This enables them to:
Identify high-consumption properties
Respond to inefficiencies in real-time
Roll out energy-saving automations across communities
The result is a unified energy strategy that aligns local actions with enterprise-wide goals.
Simplified ESG reporting
Today, investors and regulators are placing growing emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. But tracking and reporting ESG metrics across dozens of properties is a complex and time-consuming task.
We can help simplify ESG reporting with built-in data collection and analysis tools. From water and electricity usage to maintenance response times, you can capture, visualize and export the metrics that matter most.
This streamlined reporting helps multifamily operators:
Meet internal sustainability benchmarks
Comply with external frameworks (e.g., GRESB, ENERGY STAR, etc.)
Communicate value to investors and stakeholders
Cost savings and ROI
Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for the bottom line. By reducing consumption, minimizing waste and avoiding equipment failures, smart tech improves NOI.
Whether it’s lowering utility bills through automation or extending HVAC lifespan with predictive maintenance, SmartRent solutions are designed for measurable ROI. In many cases, the upfront investment pays for itself within months.
Appealing to eco-conscious residents and investors
Today’s renters are paying attention to sustainability. Green certifications, energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly operations are becoming decision drivers, especially for Millennials and Gen Z.
Strategic investors are also seeking assets that demonstrate ESG leadership. Properties with smart sustainability strategies are better positioned to:
Stand out in a competitive market
Command premium rents
Reduce risk and volatility
By investing in smart energy solutions, REITs and large portfolios can align with market demand while building long-term resilience.
The path forward
Energy efficiency at scale isn’t just possible, it’s already happening. With centralized platforms, automated controls and integrated reporting, SmartRent helps large multifamily operators turn sustainability goals into operational gains.
Ready to transform your ESG strategy into NOI gains? Schedule a demo today to learn how we can help you power energy efficiency at scale.