Our Green approach to Property Management
As responsible managing agents we feel that it is our duty to our customers as well as to Society at large to manage buildings adopting "Green" principles so as to minimize their negative impact on the environment. This often has the added benefit of reducing costs for our customers.
We are continually adding to the list of areas to which we apply Green principles, which includes the following -- Low energy light bulbs used throughout common areas and conversion to sensor controlled common parts lighting encouraged where possible. External lighting on sensors so that it is only in use when required. Leaseholders encouraged through newsletters to use low energy bulbs within their homes.
- Common parts heating thermostatically controlled wherever possible.
- Green and/or economy utility tariffs encouraged
- Maximum insulation of loft areas where building has a pitched roof
- Recycling facilities provided at all properties where site layout/space permits or alternative local recycling arrangements advertised to residents
- Bicycle use encouraged by providing secure bicycle storage wherever site layout/space permits.
- Presently in discussion with a "Car Club" to assess opportunities to offer this service to leaseholders on a corporate membership basis to reduce car reliance and ownership in urban areas.
- Use of environmentally friendly cleaning and other products at all sites
- Use of environmentally friendly paint and other products during major works projects,
- For older buildings with single glazing we work with RMC Directors to design alternative double glazed alternatives sympathetic to original window frame design and materials. Strategies for implementing window replacement within flats as part of overall refurbishment projects.
- Encourage composting of garden waste by gardening contractors and use of drought resistant plants in planting schemes to reduce water consumption. Use of water butts where possible to minimise wastage of rainwater.
- Arrange with Local Authorities for recycling bins to be provided to managed sites
- On-line viewing and other facilities for all our customers to discourage paper use; Service Charge payments by Bank Transfer/Credit Card, on-line viewing of site reports, individual accounts, minutes of meetings etc. Wherever possible all communications are sent out from our offices by Email. From October 2009 Management Company communications also issued by email where Articles of the Company permit (permitted by Companies Act 2006).
- Offer of "virtual" conference meetings with our Estate Managers through web-cams to reduce impact of travel and a cash saving to Clients who save travel time by holding some meetings this way
- We have acquired a "Hybrid car" for use by our Estate Managers and Site Inspector to reduce fuel consumption.
- Future innovations for consideration by developers/RMC's include provision of recharging facilities for electric cars, encouraging Combined Heating and Power Systems (CHP) for new schemes and consideration of opportunities for wind turbines, solar heating and other alternative energy systems.