Real estate development is a lucrative business domain as long as you ensure high quality and value in your projects. Sustainability can give your business a competitive advantage as a developer. But most business owners fail to understand and implement the approach only because they find it too daunting. Sustainability is much easier to achieve than expected. Here are some smart ways to build a sustainable real estate development business.
Be open to new tech
Going green is more about being open to a change in your mindset. You can start outside the project sites by embracing new technology to manage your business in the first place. Begin by going paperless with your backend processes.
Further, you can pick construction management software to save time and drive efficiency on construction sites. Once you consolidate your foundation, it is easy to bring sustainability into every project you work on down the line.
Choose your sites wisely
A sustainable land development company goes the extra mile with site selection. Choosing wisely enables you to pick projects with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Making environmental due diligence a part of the site selection process is the key.
You must dig deep into aspects such as Wetland Delineation, wildlife assessment, and soil and vegetation factors on potential project sites. Besides driving sustainability for your business, these steps keep it on the right side of the law.
Switch to green materials
Site selection gives you a head start with sustainability, and switching to green materials takes you a step ahead. Common building materials such as concrete and asphalt shingles have a dire environmental impact. Switching to green alternatives can significantly lower the emissions of your projects.
For example, bamboo is biodegradable and eco-friendly. At the same time, it offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and compressive strength. Likewise, cork is impervious to water and absorbs shock and noise. Reclaimed wood and roof tiles are other materials worth considering.
Install green solutions
Besides opting for eco-friendly building materials, consider installing green solutions in your projects. A sustainable design gives you the right start as it optimizes space and facilitates energy efficiency in buildings. You can install additional features to take project sustainability a notch higher. These include solar panels, eco-friendly lighting, programmable thermostats, and smart home installations.
You can do your bit for water conservation with rainwater harvesting systems and water-conserving fixtures. While these systems elevate the cost of projects, they enhance the value and demand in the long run. Buyers and investors prefer such properties, so they sell fast and command high prices.
Driving sustainability in your land development business is no longer a choice. You must do it to boost your reputation and profitability in the long run. Moreover, it is the best way to do your bit for the environment as a business owner.