Renters Looking to Live Green: AMLI Survey
The company's first Sustainable Living Index showed that 84 percent of residents find living in a green home important to them, while 64 percent are even willing to pay a higher rent for sustainable features.
Phil Tague
Green living has quickly gone from a recommendation to a requirement in most multifamily communities. With residents becoming more aware of the lasting benefits of sustainability, many renters are searching for green apartments and communities that incorporate environmentally conscious elements. AMLI’s Sustainable Living Index shows that 84 percent of 2,800 residents surveyed say living in a sustainable or green home is important to them, while 85 percent say it is beneficial to their long-term health.
“This survey highlights that residents care about the environment and their health. They want homes that enable them to live a greener, healthier lifestyle,” said Phil Tague, president of AMLI Residential.
Having a smoke-free environment was valued most by participants, with 94 percent saying it was the most sought-after green feature. Following were energy and water efficient appliances and fixtures at 93 percent, and access to public transportation with having strong walk and bike scores at 85 percent. A whopping 64 percent of residents say they are even willing to pay more to live in a green community.
Going Green
Some of the key sustainable elements that should be offered in communities looking to go green include:
- energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- plumbing that reduces water consumption
- community recycling programs
- native plant use in landscaping to reduce water needs
- electric car charging stations
- bike storage and repair
- low or no VOC building materials
- air ventilation
- premium air filters
“These survey results affirm what our on-site teams are hearing from our residents. Sustainability matters to AMLI’s customer base and residents are willing to pay more for a green lifestyle,” Tague told Multi-Housing News. “It’s clear that AMLI’s investment in sustainability is reaping customer attention and loyalty, and will continue to drive our growth. You can paint AMLI a deep shade of green because we are ‘all in.’ It looks like our residents agree with that.”
Conducted at properties in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Southeast Florida, Austin, Dallas, Houston and Southern California, the survey features results from 12 percent of participants younger than 25, 47 percent ages 25 to 34, 16 percent ages 35 to 44 and 25 percent ages 45 and older.
Image courtesy of AMLI
