How could we incentivise landlords of rental properties to spend money 'greening' their properties?

Answer 1

The best way would be to show them statistics of how it improves the house to them. For instance, having good isolation will keep the energy costs down. It will become more attractive to tenants, but I do believe that money rules in that. I hope some Smart landlord will come along and show the initiative. :)

Answer 2

you essentially can't.

Landlords understand that "incentives" are subsidized by taxes. That means the landlord will be paying his own incentive.

Quit trying to come up with ways for the government to spend the people's money.

*************

When the "green" technology is cheaper.... the landlord will buy it. No government incentive needed.

The most effective way to get green technology adopted is to make it more cost effective than not buying it. That means... when technology progresses enough, it will happen on its own.

Modern AC units use less than half the energy of a unit made 30 years ago... So, it doesn't take long for the replacement to pay off in reduced maintenance costs and energy savings.

Modern furnaces are far more efficient also...

When the landlord can PROMISE lower utility bills than the competition, they can demand more rent. So even if the tenant pays their own utilities... it pays for the landlord to put in the efficient appliances.

Answer 3

I think that's an excellent idea. Some local utilities give rebates on several items such as compact flourescents and energy efficient appliances, water heaters and the like. Commercially, I think there are incentives for solar panel usage on office buildings. Not sure though.

I think that solar should be pushed with certain tax incentives so that in the summer time we don't experience these ridiculous brownouts during the hot days. The technology exists but then there's the politics. Utilitie cos. have lots of money for lobbying.

Answer 4

I manage a 32 unit condo complex. We replaced all regular outdoor lighting with flourescent and energy saving fixtures. We save a bundle! The bulbs last forever and bill dropped as well. We also installed flourescent fixtures in all kitchens and install energy saving bulbs in the laundry and common areas, as well as each individual condo's patio lights use low-energy bulbs. We heat the hot water with propane, a natural gas. We installed low-flow shower heads. We limit car-washing to one day per week, and installed a low-volume pressure cleaner. There are many things landlords can do, if they are willing to take the time and spend a little extra money. the payoff is well worth it in the future.

Answer 5

It all begins with the tenants!

If they care enough about the environment they should pick up after themselves and the landlord should provide them with the proper waste disposal ,one hand washes the other !

Answer 6

what?