Can You Balance Energy Efficiency While Still Giving Tenants Control?

In the current era of environmental concerns, there’s a new worry on the minds of commercial property owners. Today’s CRE pros are focused on finding a solution to balance green standards without restricting tenant freedoms. 

The commercial industry plays a strong role in the country’s overall energy usage. When most commercial properties waste 30% of the resources they consume, there are a lot of skeptical eyes on the CRE biz. The external pressures to find tangible solutions to these issues are pushing the commercial arena to crack down on their green standards – and, on their tenants too. 

Of course, commercial professionals want to keep energy usage and resource waste to a minimum… especially when a property’s LEED standards are in jeopardy. But where is the line between being outright controlling? 

Providing tenants operational liberties and succeeding in limiting commercial waste is a precarious edge to walk. However, it’s not impossible. Here’s what CRE pros should keep in mind as they strive to create green assets while keeping tenants happy.

Check-In With Tenants

Don’t expect your tenants to be fully aware of how much energy they’re whizzing through as the month progresses. This is especially true for property owners who are trying to assert new green standards when dealing with existing tenants. In many cases, it will be necessary to be on-the-ball for them. 

Consider sending out bi-weekly emails to tenants with a review of how much resources they’ve used so far. Be careful not to take an authoritative tone or come off as overbearing. Remember, make it fun! Set monthly goals, offer incentives, and be humorous and relatable. 

This way, it strengthens community culture while putting a positive spin on the energy-monitoring process. 

Let Tech Pave the Way 

Sometimes, a hands-off approach is the best way to go. By letting technology do the hard work, property owners can err on the side of caution and actually make the tenants feel like they’re in more control than ever before – even if you’re implementing more restrictions. 

Use the IoT, cloud-based operating systems, Smart technologies, and 5G connectivity to put the power in tenants’ hands – without risking an abuse of resources. One way to do this is by adding in-unit thermostats that have thresholds to units. 

This way, tenants feel like it’s all in their hands and will have fewer issues existing within the boundaries. Situations like this are all about making the tenant feel comfortable, free, and sovereign. 

Draft Up a Green Lease 

Set your standards early on with a green lease. Green leases are a great way to get the conversation out of the way to avoid any discrepancies or misunderstandings. Getting everything on the table will mitigate the risk of creating a strained landlord-tenant relationship, 

What makes a green lease special is the included eco-centric stipulations, conditions, and agreements contained within. This will show the tenant that you’re serious about monitoring energy and resource consumption. Green leases will also help attract eco-conscious tenants, who will more likely be happy to abide by the rules. 

Plus, a lease is a legally-binding document. This means that it protects landlords in the case that an irritated tenant chooses to complain about energy-use restrictions. 

These 3 tips will ensure that tenants can exercise their freedoms without dropping a property’s environmental standards. Stay tuned to the NAI Global Newslink for more commercial real estate insights.