Are you a tenant with energy efficiency aspirations?
What’s your role so you can do your part?
So. You’re of the renting variety. A tenant. An apartment resident perhaps.
Maybe you’re the kind who has their ear to the ground on energy efficiency and green-related topics. The one looking out for new smart tech or DIY projects to save energy, money, and the environment.
Or, maybe you’re the one who just wants to be efficient where possible… in ways that require little effort. You’d like to have a better environmental impact. As long as the project isn’t too intensive.
One is a go-getter. The other works smarter not harder. But, both see the need for efficiency and sustainability. They each even see a need for action (just with varying energy in response).
Let’s say these two environmentally conscious tenants reside in an apartment. What can they do? They don’t have the same options as homeowners. They can’t change appliances. They can’t remodel. They can use less energy, but they’ll require a way to track their current use in order to ensure actual efficiency. But, they can’t install any tech themselves. Really, they’re at a loss.
The first will likely find several inefficient projects that produce very little benefit. The second will probably give up on efforts altogether — nothing within their power evidently works. In order for either to see change, they’ll need the property itself to offer an outlet.
They need the owner to be on board.
What’s the role for the apartment resident, then? Bringing their wants and needs to their property manager. They need to make known their energy efficiency aspirations. Residents have more control than they realize — if they unite under one idea, the owners will have to listen. It’s in their best interest to answer to the demand.
How can residents start the conversation? Let’s demonstrate with a walkthrough. It’s as easy as one-two.
1. Research
First, research the different energy monitoring services available to multifamily. Find those that specifically offer money saving opportunities to both residents and the property. After all, property owners are more likely to act when it directly benefits them as well.
2. Take action
See if there’s a way as a resident for you to get in contact with the energy monitoring service. Collect information to deliver to your property manager. Bring the matter directly to them, and tell them you’d like an energy monitoring amenity so that you BOTH can save money. Pass on the research you’ve done.
From there, it’s the role of the property manager to take these things to the owner. If they’re convinced that the tech will offer savings or increase profit (which smart tech can), then they’ll implement it.
Continue the conversation
Bring your energy concerns to your property manager. Engage other residents. Start taking small action steps you’re aware of. Because yes, there are ways to be efficient even without energy monitoring tech.
But, once that tech is installed, more doors are open to you. When you know your current energy habits, it’s that much easier to make better choices in the future. Especially if you have some help along the way.
It’s hard to pursue efficiency as a renter. But you don’t have to feel hopeless, because it is possible. And we can help make it plausible.
Are you a tenant with efficiency aspirations? Let’s start the conversation.
