More of us are looking for ways to be eco-friendly in our daily lives - and that’s translating to many of us looking for a home and community that’s kinder to the planet too. At the same time, changes in regulations are mandating more sustainable construction practices, and developers are increasingly seeking to introduce sustainability measures as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility strategies.
The result has been more sustainable and eco-friendly systems and spaces being introduced at developments across the country. These range from tried-and-tested energy-efficiency schemes, through to new initiatives that are breaking the norm in a bid to create more sustainable communities. There are so many examples that are changing and reducing the impact of everyday living - here are just a few that we’ve come across at communities across the country:
Introducing more sustainable waste management at a development could range from easily-accessible clothes recycling points, through to fully-integrated, innovative waste collection systems like Envac, which sees homeowners drop their rubbish into specialised ‘bins’. That rubbish is then automatically taken through an underground system to a centralised waste collection point.
The result is the elimination of traditional wheelie bins and bin lorry collection, with waste only being collected from a designated point. There is less pollution and reduced carbon emissions from collection vehicles.
Many communities are introducing more wildflower planting, for example, to boost biodiversity of flowers and fauna.
Some are engaging ecologists to ensure natural habitats, from riverbanks to hedgerow, are well-taken care of too - making sure the spaces are nurturing local wildlife, including rare and protected species.
Reducing reliance on water supply systems is an important sustainability measure. Developments are increasingly creating landscaped areas that are drought-resistant and introducing rainwater collection points.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDs) are being integrated from the beginning of new developments to manage surface water runoff in a more sustainable way. And they can enhance biodiversity, and reduce the risk of localised flooding.
There are many ways developments are introducing more sustainable energy infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions. For instance, solar panels on communal buildings or Communal Heating Systems in place for apartment blocks, which supply heat and hot water to multiple apartments (and even buildings) from a central source that can be low carbon. Many communities now also have the benefit of electric vehicle charging points.
It’s one thing creating developments with sustainable systems and spaces - or introducing them retrospectively, but another entirely to make sure these initiatives are part of the lasting legacy of an estate.
To be truly sustainable, these systems and spaces need to be functioning and benefiting communities now - and into the future. And that will often involve ongoing management and maintenance.
It’s a specialist job, however, looking after and giving longevity to these communal systems and spaces. That’s why so many communities have a managing agent, like Encore, to take on this responsibility, usually on behalf of a Residents’ Management Company or the developer.
Of course, a managing agent isn’t solely responsible for the maintenance of sustainable infrastructure at an estate. Instead, they’re responsible for a full spectrum of activities and actions. That includes financial management (such as the collection and budgeting of estate maintenance funds), maintenance management, insurances, site visits and inspections, health and safety, legal compliance, resident engagement and communications, and much more.
Sustainable systems and spaces are one part of the communal infrastructure that a managing agent looks after.
No matter how new or innovative a sustainability initiative may be, a managing agent should bring fundamental best practice and expertise to the table that can help those initiatives to make a lasting positive impact for communities. That includes:
It can also include developing relationships with specialists in things like clothes recycling, who can help to manage recycling drop-off points and associated costs.
Where possible, working with local contractors, whilst balancing potential costs, can also reduce emissions associated with travel to and from the development.
For example, if an innovative waste management system - like the Envac example given - is in place, then residents will need to be clear about how to dispose of their waste correctly. Making sure residents are aware of the benefits of a sustainable system is also key, so they can be clear about the value they’re getting from the estate maintenance charge they pay, which contributes to the system’s upkeep.
At Encore, we believe property management can be a force for good - and part of that is in helping communities to become more sustainable. And to make that a reality, we need to use our whole team’s skills and expertise - from financial management to building positive relationships with residents.
In the coming years new infrastructure and technology will help to further enhance the sustainability of communities across the country. But whatever innovations come around will need the care of an expert managing agent to make them a continuing success.
