Making the wheels on sustainable practices go 'round and 'round

Thanks to the sun, the Earth and all its resources, we all live on a yellow-green machine – fuelled by nothing but sustainable practices and our collective ambition to stay terrestrial animals.

As the world swims in environmental challenges, property managers are recognizing their role in minimizing ecological footprints and promoting eco-friendly practices. In this journey towards sustainability, contractors stand as indispensable partners, wielding the tools and expertise to implement green initiatives effectively. After all, Mother Earth is a contractor's most cherished canvas, on which we paint and build our craft, making the routine maintenance check of Earth's ever-evolving (and revolving) landscape paramount to our industry's success.

In honour of this month's focus on sustainability, we've compiled a series of measures building industry professionals can take to keep our glorified party barge chugging along.

Bring the energy (efficient upgrades)

One of the most impactful ways contractors can assist property managers is through energy efficiency upgrades. These upgrades may include installing LED lighting, upgrading HVAC systems, or enhancing insulation. By reducing energy consumption, buildings can lower utility costs and decrease their carbon footprint.

Pro-tip: Contractors can conduct energy audits to identify areas for improvement and recommend tailored solutions that align with the property's sustainability goals.

Practice sustainable practices in the practical and material realm

Contractors can help property managers source sustainable materials for renovation and construction projects. This initiative could involve using recycled or locally sourced materials, as well as selecting products with high energy efficiency ratings and low environmental impact. Additionally, contractors can employ sustainable construction techniques such as modular construction, which minimizes waste and construction time.

Best of all, by prioritizing sustainability throughout the building process, property managers can reduce their ecological footprint while creating healthier indoor environments for occupants.

Control water before water controls us

Water conservation is another critical aspect of sustainable practices in property management. Contractors can assist in implementing water-saving measures by installing low-flow fixtures, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, or even optimizing irrigation systems. These initiatives not only reduce water consumption but also contribute to long-term cost savings and environmental stewardship.

Renew your renewable energy subscription

Integrating renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines can significantly reduce a building's reliance on fossil fuels. Contractors specializing in renewable energy installation can work with property managers to assess the feasibility of implementing such systems and develop customized solutions. Whether it's rooftop solar panels or community-scale renewable energy projects, contractors can help property managers navigate the complexities of renewable energy integration and maximize the environmental and financial benefits.

Monitor to maintain and sustain

Most importantly, sustainability doesn't end once upgrades are implemented; ongoing maintenance and monitoring are essential for ensuring continued efficiency and performance. Contractors can provide maintenance services to keep energy-efficient systems operating at peak performance and conduct regular inspections to identify any issues proactively. Additionally, they can help implement monitoring systems to track energy and water usage, providing valuable data for optimizing building performance over time.

Sustainability… in this economy? A must.

At the risk of boring our inner child, building cities underwater (shout out Atlantis) seems like a logistical nightmare for complex mechanical transportation to a job site no benefits package could combat. Seeing as those are two threats the building industry can't afford, we'll have to stick to the dry and familiar but colourful and wonderful part of our world.

As the imperative for sustainability grows stronger, the role of contractors in property management becomes increasingly pivotal. By partnering with contractors who share their commitment to sustainability, property managers can unlock the full potential of green initiatives and set sail to a climate-friendly future.

So remember: with a little teamwork and some guidance from this coxswain, we can transform buildings into beacons ;) of sustainability and lighthouses for a cleaner world.