How to Create a Sustainable Rental
How to Make Your Short-Term Rental More Sustainable: Energy-Efficient Appliances, Eco-Friendly Amenities, and Supporting Local, Sustainable Businesses
In today's travel landscape, sustainability has become a top priority for many guests, and hosts who embrace eco-friendly practices are more likely to stand out in a competitive market. More travelers are choosing accommodations that align with their environmental values, and as a short-term rental host, making your property more sustainable can attract a broader range of eco-conscious guests. Additionally, incorporating sustainable practices into your rental can reduce your operational costs, improve your property's energy efficiency, and promote local businesses that share your commitment to the environment.
In this blog post, we will explore actionable steps to make your rental more sustainable, including incorporating energy-efficient appliances, offering eco-friendly amenities, and supporting local businesses with sustainable practices. By making these changes, you’ll not only reduce your environmental footprint but also create a unique selling point that resonates with eco-conscious travelers.
1. Energy-Efficient Appliances: A Win for the Environment and Your Budget
One of the most impactful ways to make your rental more sustainable is by investing in energy-efficient appliances. These appliances use less energy than their conventional counterparts, which reduces your overall energy consumption and helps lower utility bills. They’re a smart choice for the environment and your budget, making them a win-win for any host looking to adopt sustainable practices.
a. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for appliances with the ENERGY STAR® certification, which indicates that they meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners that have this certification consume significantly less energy than traditional models.
Tip: If replacing all your appliances at once isn’t feasible, prioritize upgrading older, less efficient models first, such as refrigerators or water heaters. These typically consume the most energy in a home.
b. Smart Thermostats
Installing a smart thermostat is another great way to improve energy efficiency in your rental. Smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature remotely and optimize energy usage by adjusting the heating or cooling settings based on occupancy. Some models can even learn your preferences and adjust automatically, ensuring your rental is comfortable for guests without wasting energy when the property is vacant.
Tip: Smart thermostats can also alert you to maintenance issues with your HVAC system, helping you address problems before they become costly.
c. Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switching to LED lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective changes you can make. LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. Installing LED lighting throughout your property—both indoors and outdoors—can drastically reduce energy consumption while providing excellent illumination for guests.
Tip: Use motion sensors or timers for outdoor lighting to further minimize energy use when the lights aren’t needed.
2. Eco-Friendly Amenities: Simple Changes with Big Impact
In addition to energy-efficient appliances, incorporating eco-friendly amenities into your rental can enhance the guest experience while reducing your environmental impact. By providing thoughtful, sustainable alternatives, you’ll appeal to eco-conscious travelers who are looking for properties that align with their values.
a. Sustainable Toiletries
One of the easiest ways to make your rental more eco-friendly is to swap out single-use toiletries for refillable dispensers filled with eco-conscious products. Many hotels and short-term rentals have already adopted this practice to reduce plastic waste. Opt for shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and hand soaps that are biodegradable and made with natural ingredients, avoiding harsh chemicals that can harm the environment.
Tip: Choose brands that use recyclable or compostable packaging and make it clear to guests that the products are environmentally friendly. This will appeal to eco-conscious travelers and reflect your commitment to sustainability.
b. Reusable Kitchenware
Consider providing guests with reusable kitchenware, such as stainless steel or bamboo utensils, instead of disposable plastic cutlery. You can also offer reusable straws and cloth napkins as an alternative to single-use paper products. These simple changes can significantly reduce waste and promote a more sustainable way of living during guests’ stays.
Tip: Include recycling and compost bins in the kitchen with clear signage to encourage guests to sort their waste responsibly.
c. Water-Saving Fixtures
Reducing water consumption is another critical aspect of sustainability, especially in areas prone to drought or water shortages. Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets can help conserve water without sacrificing guest comfort. These fixtures use less water while maintaining strong water pressure, making them both eco-friendly and guest-friendly.
Tip: Provide information about your property’s water-saving features in your welcome guide to educate guests on the steps you’re taking to be environmentally responsible.
d. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Using eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning products is essential for maintaining a sustainable rental. Conventional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the air and water, but green cleaning solutions are made from biodegradable ingredients that are safe for both the environment and your guests.
Tip: Make sure your cleaning team is using eco-friendly products and follow a sustainable cleaning protocol to minimize the environmental impact of maintaining your property.
3. Promoting Local, Sustainable Businesses: Supporting the Community and the Environment
One of the most impactful ways to make your rental more sustainable is by supporting local businesses that share your commitment to the environment. Promoting local, sustainable businesses not only benefits your community but also enhances your guests’ experience by introducing them to eco-friendly options they might not find otherwise. From locally sourced products to farm-to-table dining options, you can create a more enriching, sustainable experience for your guests while supporting the local economy.
a. Partner with Local Sustainable Suppliers
Work with local artisans, suppliers, and businesses that prioritize sustainability when stocking your rental with amenities and products. For example, you could offer organic coffee or locally sourced tea, eco-friendly cleaning supplies from a local shop, or handmade toiletries from a nearby artisan.
Tip: Highlight the local businesses you support in your welcome book or listing description. Guests often appreciate unique, local touches and may be more inclined to choose your rental over others as a result.
b. Promote Eco-Friendly Experiences
As part of your guest welcome guide, provide recommendations for eco-friendly activities and experiences in the area. Whether it’s suggesting a bike rental service instead of car travel, recommending local hiking trails, or highlighting nearby nature reserves, encouraging sustainable tourism will help minimize the environmental impact of your guests’ stays.
Tip: Partner with local tour operators who offer eco-friendly experiences, such as kayaking, wildlife tours, or farm visits. You can create a curated list of activities that align with your rental’s sustainability mission.
c. Highlight Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Many travelers are interested in sustainable dining experiences, so take the time to research and recommend farm-to-table or organic restaurants in your area. These establishments prioritize sourcing ingredients locally, reducing their carbon footprint, and offering seasonal, organic meals. By supporting these restaurants, you’re contributing to a more sustainable local food system and providing guests with high-quality dining options.
Tip: Consider providing guests with a discount or coupon for a nearby farm-to-table restaurant to encourage them to support these eco-friendly businesses.
4. Encouraging Sustainable Guest Behavior
Once you’ve implemented sustainable practices in your rental, it’s important to encourage guests to do their part during their stay. Simple actions can have a big impact, and guests are often willing to participate if they understand how their choices can help protect the environment.
a. Provide an Eco-Friendly Welcome Guide
Your guest welcome guide is the perfect place to share information about your property’s sustainability initiatives and offer tips on how guests can contribute. Include instructions for recycling and composting, encourage them to turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and suggest water conservation measures, such as shorter showers.
Tip: Make sustainability fun by turning it into a challenge. For example, you could offer a small reward, like a discount on a future stay, to guests who follow your eco-friendly guidelines during their visit.
b. Offer Reusable Shopping Bags
Many areas now have bans on single-use plastic bags, so offering reusable shopping bags in your rental is a thoughtful and practical amenity. Guests can use these bags for grocery shopping or while exploring local markets, reducing their reliance on disposable bags.
Tip: Consider branding the bags with your rental’s logo or a local business’s logo to support local artisans and create a memorable guest experience.
c. Promote Digital Communication
Encourage guests to go paperless during their stay by promoting digital communication. Provide Wi-Fi information, check-in details, and local recommendations through a digital guidebook or app instead of printed materials. This reduces paper waste and provides a more convenient experience for tech-savvy guests.
Tip: Offer QR codes for local restaurants, attractions, and services to reduce the need for printed brochures and maps.
Conclusion
Sustainability is more than just a trend; it’s becoming an expectation for travelers seeking eco-friendly accommodations. By making your rental more sustainable, you’re not only reducing your environmental impact but also creating a unique selling point that will attract eco-conscious guests and set your property apart from the competition. From energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly amenities to promoting local businesses, there are countless ways to make your short-term rental more sustainable. By incorporating these practices, you’ll contribute to a healthier planet while providing an exceptional experience for your guests.