Although 40% of the carbon emissions across the world come from the built environment, new construction also contributes to the problem. By designing new construction with sustainability in mind, you can reduce the environmental impact of the building project while making positive, lasting changes with an eco-friendly building that will stand the test of time.

As you hire contractors for your new building project, ask about their sustainability practices. Do they:

• Make an effort to use reclaimed or locally sourced materials?
• Prefabricate materials off-site in controlled environments to reduce waste and enable more accurate measurements?
• Avoid landfills by hiring haulers and reusing what materials they can?
• Implement lean manufacturing techniques to reduce energy use?

By hiring architects who understand green building design, coupled with builders focused on sustainability, you can reduce energy consumption and your building’s overall carbon footprint.

Of course, it’s best to plan ahead with new construction to build sustainability from the start. But what about built environments? There are plenty of ways you can take advantage of tax credits and incentives and retrofit current office buildings and industrial spaces. Following LEED guidelines and making energy efficient improvements can help you net the most return on your investment. According to a report from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, LEED-compliant buildings consume 25% less energy and 11% less water.

Some retrofit improvements you can make include:

• Energy-rated doors and windows or simply weatherproofing existing doors and windows
• High-efficiency HVAC systems or AI Controls
• Renewable Energy including Solar panels
• LED lighting

The global smart building market is forecasted to grow by 12.2% between 2020 and 2027, when it’s projected to reach more than $127 billion in value. Smart building solutions can mean anything from motion-sensor lighting and shades to full smart building systems that enable automated control of everything from thermostats to audiovisual equipment. Energy analysis software systems help you measure and improve energy use in your buildings.

Some of the smart building solutions you can integrate in new construction or retrofit projects include:

• Smart climate control
• Smart audio, video, and LED lighting
• Smart glass
• Automated HVAC, plumbing and mechanical systems

The Solar Energy Industries Association has announced a goal to implement solar arrays to generate 20% of the electricity generated in the U.S. by 2030. As a commercial real estate investor or developer, you can do your part by implementing alternative energy sources for your building and even selling excess power back to your provider to help power your community.

Additionally, property managers can attract tenants and create a more sustainable environment with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations on their property. Buildings with EV charging capabilities can command higher rents, attract better tenants, and receive incentives and tax credits that can help defray the cost of installation.

While energy efficient improvements within buildings can yield excellent results, also consider improvements on the property to increase sustainability. In areas focused on water conservation, consider using xeriscaping, which minimizes the use of grass and foliage that needs to be watered and maintained. Whenever possible, landscape with local plants and shrubs. Trees and plants put oxygen back into the environment, which can help offset your carbon footprint. But you also want to focus on grounds that are easy to maintain.

Other ways to promote sustainability across your property include:

• Keep natural landscaping where possible
• Create a green roof
• Use engineered water collection systems
• Plan landscaping to minimize shadows if you have or plant to install a solar PV array on the roof or grounds

Sustainable properties can attract better, more conscientious tenants into multi-dwelling units. By adding sustainable improvements, landlords can take advantage of tax credits, help mitigate climate change and increase the net operating income on their property. Property managers can pass the cost savings on to renters, especially if tenants are responsible for paying the utility bills for their unit. Plus, according to a market report from Apartment Data, 61% of renters said they would pay more in rent to live in an eco-friendly apartment.

Landlords can make improvements that include:

• Energy efficient doors and windows
• Solar panels
• Smart building systems for automated temperature and lighting control