Sustainability Leadership

Cities Management has been leading a nationwide effort to make property management cleaner and greener for nearly 20 years. As a result, green has become mainstream in the real estate industry. Professionals and property owners have realized that sustainably managed properties not only reduce pollution and greenhouse gases, but can also save homeowners and association members money and resources. Because of these benefits, sustainability in a community has a wide appeal to property owners and managers.

A few fast fact about the growing green trend in the community management business:

• Green service jobs now total around 2 million.
• U.S. buildings consume around 40% of all U.S. energy and account for 72% of all U.S. electricity consumption.
• Nearly 2% of all commercial buildings are LEED certified (a green building certification through the US Green Building Council).
• Nearly 500 state and local governments have adopted policies to improve efficiency and pursue LEED certification.
• The green building industry is expected to grow to $42 billion by 2015.
• Today there are over 142,000 Accredited LEED professionals.
• The Federal government (e.g., GSA) and Corporate America are requiring new leases in green buildings, green building designs and operations, green leases, green policies and energy conservation.

Cities Management's Sustainability Initiative embodies a comprehensive program of "healthy building management" that can be implemented at any property large or small. Contact us to find out more about what can be done at your property to make a healthy and green difference for your homeowners and broader community.

Eco Teams
Gathering a cross-functional team of individuals willing to work on your eco-initiatives is the first step. Enlist the help of a board member to lead the charge and then gather a few interested homeowners, sub-contractors and your property manager to develop an action plan that can be implemented over a period of years. Greening a property, much like greening and organization is an ongoing process not a one time event.

Recycling
Recycling programs have changed over the years – bottles, cans and newspapers are just the beginning! There are more categories of recyclables that are being collected all the time (garden waste, compostable food scraps, electronics, etc…). Meet at least annually with your waste hauler or city to find out if you are offering your residents the most up-to-date recycling opportunities available in your area.

Energy Savings
We all are unwitting contributors to climate change through unavoidable modern day necessities like heating, cooling and lighting. But we can minimize that impact and find some cost savings by updating our building and equipment. Cities Management has access to vendors, programs and funding to help your association and homeowners save energy and money. Goals is to reduce the energy impact at our properties by 25% over the next 5 years.

Water Savings
Water is a precious resource and we pay for every drop that we use and each drop that goes down the drain too. Many options exist for reducing water use inside and outside of our homes. We can help you implement the latest technology for lawn watering systems. We also have access to leak detection and remediation companies for plumbing infrastructure and fixtures.

Less Toxic Lawn and Landscape Care
Shifting to less toxic weed and feed for your lawn care demonstrates to your homeowners and the community that you are concerned for their health and the health of nearby waterways. Lawns that use a more organic maintenance method are ultimately more thick and lush than chemically treated lawns because healthy soil and grass crowds out weeds. Let us help you contract with your current vendor for less toxic lawn care.

Pest Control
Less toxic pest control or Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the preferred method for dealing with pests inside and outside your home. IPM vendors and programs limit the chemical hazard of controlling ants, flour beetles, mice, and yes, the dreaded bedbugs. CMI has access to the most knowledgeable IPM vendors in the area.

Green Cleaning
Many of today's cleaning products contain ingredients that are considered hazardous or even poisonous for adults, but particularly for children and pets. Less toxic and non-toxic alternative products are available for household and commercial use. Green products can also be less expensive than traditional toxic products. Green cleaning can be easily implemented in common areas of your property.

Green Building Products
One third of the raw materials our country consumes each year are used for building construction. Choosing products that are made from renewable resources rather than non-renewable petroleum is a greener option. While no comprehensive green labeling system can assure that you are buying truly green products, choosing products that garner more points for a "LEED rating" as stated by the US Green Building Council and other programs, is a way to make certain that you are buying a greener option.

Clean Indoor Air Quality
There are many sources of indoor pollution that have potential to harm people and pets. Known sources of indoor pollution are lead, carbon monoxide, asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, and mold. Let us help your association and homeowners identify and eliminate unhealthy indoor air.

Pursue A Green Certification For Your Property
Cities Management has access to organizations that can recommend specific practices that your homeowner association can implement to become "green certified". Spending the time, effort, and money to gain certification for your homeowner's association can help to set your property apart from others. There is no better way to let prospective buyers know that your community cares about your residents, greater community, and the planet.

If you are interested in implementing any of these sustainability options at your property, please contact your property manager for more information. If you are not currently a client, please feel free to call us for a consultation or inquire about our property management service options.

Request For Proposal    Request a Brochure   Or give us a call 612-381-8600 / toll-free 877-338-2773!