Many associations are striving to become an eco-friendly HOA because sustainability is a necessary discussion and important step to take. With more and more people concerned about conserving the environment, more and more organizations and individuals started implementing more eco-friendly practices. 

HOAs are also in the process of becoming more sustainable by implementing a series of new technologies and policies to guarantee that they become  greener and more eco-friendly. 

Continue reading below to find out the 6 ways that you can make your association a more sustainable and eco-friendly organization. 

Sustainable cars 

One of the main sources of air pollution is vehicles — specifically gas-powered cars. One of the ways companies are starting to tackle this issue is by creating Electric Vehicles (EV). 

Communities can start implementing EV charging stations to facilitate those who drive electric cars. Additionally, the community will have much to benefit from. People are increasingly worried about sustainability and want to opt for products that have little impact on the environment. Because of this, an HOA with EV charging stations can market itself as an eco-friendly HOA and attract potential new residents. Not only this, but having these charging stations can convenience homeowners who don’t have an electric vehicle to get one and consequently increasing the amount of sustainable cars around your community. 

The electrical vehicle market is growing fast and these chargers allow your association to stay on top of this growing market. Not only this, but if you promote your association as an eco-friendly community, it can win Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) points. These points are only applicable to buildings that prove themselves sustainable and they can earn up to 110 LEED points and more than 80 points gives the community platinum status. 

LED lights

Common light bulbs emit a lot of heat and are quite expensive. LED lights, on the other hand, are much more affordable and sustainable. These lights can last up to 6-12 years without needing to be replaced which is 40 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb. 

Replacing all of your lighting with LED lights will generate at least a 60% improvement in energy savings because of their higher efficiency — this means that they don’t use as much energy as a regular light bulb but works just as well. 

They can also operate in colder weather unlike fluorescent bulbs, for example, which require more voltage to work and their intensity reduces. In fact, LED lights can actually perform better in colder temperatures which is why they’re normally used for lighting freezers. This is great for community associations in colder areas.

Lastly, LEDs emit low heat and UV emissions. Incandescent light bulbs turn on more than 90% of their energy to heat while LEDs emit very low amounts. Because of this quality, medical experts are starting to look at LEDs as a way to solve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects many people during the darker months of the year. 

Energy-efficient air conditioners

Just like LED lights, energy-efficient air conditioners can spare you a lot of money because they are more effective than regular air conditioners.  Not only this but they are much more sustainable as they emit less energy than regular air conditioners. 

Air condition efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). It measures how effective its cooling system is. Nowadays, the Environment Protection Agency requires all air conditioners to have a SEER ratio of 14 or above. It’s important to note that 14 is a low ratio and that modern air conditioners typically have a SEER ratio of 30. 

Additionally, as they are more effective, they don’t have to work as hard to cool someone’s home. That means, the equipment will remain in a better condition and require fewer repairs which also means you will save more money in the long run.  

Recycling opportunities 

HOAs need to establish designated areas where residents can dispose of their recyclable items. It is essential to make it easy for homeowners to recycle and adopt greener practices. 

Apart from providing convenient recycling spots, HOAs can also play a significant role in raising awareness about the benefits of recycling and how to recycle effectively. The HOA can organize events promoting eco-friendly habits, such as workshops and guest speakers. Moreover, incorporating fun activities for children in these events can help instill the importance of maintaining an eco-friendly HOA and contribute to a sustainable future.

By promoting eco-friendly habits and actively encouraging recycling efforts, your HOA can make a positive impact on the environment and ensure that your community remains sustainable for years to come.

Save water 

Finding ways to reduce water in your association can save you money in the long run and will contribute to a more eco-friendly community. 

One of the easiest ways to do so is by educating homeowners on how they can conserve water — for example, remembering to turn off the tap and take shorter showers. Your community can also post tips and best practices to save water in your newsletter. One of these tips can include how much time a person should spend watering plants and grass.

Additionally, while this may cost more money at first, installing smart sprinklers that can detect when it has rained and only activates when it is necessary, reduces water usage and, consequently, costs 

Solar panels 

Another way to become a more eco-friendly HOA is by investing in solar panels. Solar panels are one of the best clean energy sources to use in your community as they don’t release any carbon dioxide.

While they may be more expensive at first, solar panels save you money in the long run since it reduces your reliance on the grid. Additionally, states like Florida offer solar renewable energy certificates (SREC). Each one represents a megawatt-hour of electricity produced by solar panels. You can sell these certificates to electricity suppliers who buy them in order to satisfy their state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. 

Using software 

Since we are now living in a digital age, one of the many benefits that come from that is that we can limit the amount of paper we use. Meeting agendas, notices, event flyers, and important announcements can all be distributed by email.

Final points 

While it is not easy to become an eco-friendly HOA, there are several steps your community can implement to start being more sustainable. Educating homeowners, spreading awareness, and using software are all simple ways of reducing your association’s carbon footprint. Then, your community can start implementing bigger projects such as EV charging stations, efficient air-conditioners, LEDs, and smart sprinklers. In the end, it is important to seek new ways to make your community a more ecological and sustainable place to live in. 

To find out how Neigbrs by Vinteum can help you be more sustainable, and improve your communication and management by centralizing everything in one secure digital platform, book your free demo.