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Contributed by Samantha Jones
Some industries are more eco-friendly by default, and others struggle on the front. Real estate is one of the less sustainable industries. Sustainability and land development are not on the same page.
Real estate projects are inherently resource-intensive as they require lots of material, labor, money, and time. Moreover, they affect environmental factors such as soil, water, fauna, and flora. But you can do your bit to make your projects eco-friendly if you are an environmentally-conscious business owner.
Adopting a few practical measures can help you set up a sustainable land development business from scratch. It also enables you to stay ahead of the goals over time. Let us share the ones you must implement to fulfill your sustainability goals.
Start with education
Education is the key to taking the apt steps with your building projects. Learn the basics of sustainable building materials, green designs, and eco-conscious practices you can implement for your business.
The basics cover you in the early stages, but you can pick more as you navigate the business landscape over the years. For example, you can create a team of like-minded contractors, designers, and suppliers. These experts can help ensure that each project matches the sustainability standards and guidelines.
Prioritize master engineering
As a land developer, you must validate your development plans with master engineering to build a sustainable business. You can make relevant engineering adjustments to address issues related to earthwork, water, transportation, sewers, and wildlife.
The best plans may require such adjustments, even if they look good on paper. They may still have some engineering challenges and technical flaws. But you can rely on simple master engineering adjustments to reduce environmental risks and increase the ROI of projects.
Let the land speak
You may choose the best design and materials to build your projects yet fail on the sustainability front by picking the wrong piece of land. Experts recommend letting the land speak, and you must listen closely.
Take care of the environmental basics with due diligence measures such as Wetland Delineation, as they do more than prevent penalties and delays.
Of course, compliance is essential for land developers looking to launch and sell projects successfully. But choosing the land wisely is an ethical responsibility for builders. Consider it a way to save the planet by reducing your impact on soil, water, plants, and wildlife.
Optimize project designs
Another key factor you can follow is optimizing project designs. But it takes more than following the green construction norms for the buildings in the project. You must consider factors such as utilizing outdoor space wisely and implementing stormwater management. Also, pay attention to street layouts and go the extra mile with landscaping.
Optimal designs can help you build more homes on a single lot. The best part is that you need not compromise green spaces. You can add features such as solar installations to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
Rethink construction materials
You can go the extra mile with real estate development by rethinking construction materials for your projects. The best way to do it is by considering the environmental footprint of materials. Renewable ones are ideal because they do not deplete natural resources.
You can stick with local suppliers to minimize transportation emissions for materials. Also, pay attention to the thermal mass. For example, bricks, concrete, and masonry absorb warmth during the day and release it at night. You can cover the energy gaps by investing in good insulation for the property.
Strengthen the core with a great team
A great team can strengthen the core of your business. It can also push your projects close to sustainability goals. You must recruit people with a sustainable mindset in the first place. Invest in training and make eco-consciousness a part of the company culture to succeed in your goal.
Developing a collaborative relationship with external partners is equally crucial. It brings them on the same page. With everyone paying attention to sustainability, you can keep your business on the right road.
Use new technology
Technology is the mainstay of success for businesses. As a business owner, you can use innovation to run more efficiently. It can also take you a step ahead with sustainability. Real estate developers can rely on new technologies to build green properties.
For example, you can implement automation solutions to limit the use of resources. You may recycle, reuse, and renovate instead of building from scratch. Consider going paperless because it is a better alternative to paperwork. Any technology that lowers resource use is great for eco-conscious developers.
You must embrace the right mindset to build a sustainable land development business. The best way to do it is by following these simple strategies to adopt sustainability early. You can commit to taking it ahead as your business grows. Taking your business on the road to sustainability will be a breeze.
Author bio:
Samantha Jones is an experienced content writer working with Outreach Monks for the last four years. Samatha heads the content department. She has a keen interest in real estate; thus, she collects in-depth information in that field. Later, she helps her audience understand the ins and outs of businesses in the real estate sector by penning down the information in an easy-to-understand language.
Sources:
10 Rules of Successful Land Development Design / SEH
Top Tips For Sustainable Property Development / The Landslide. September 14, 2020
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