| For many years, apartment living meant having to | | | | - The use of solar energy |
| choose less land while having to tolerate other things | | | | - Using plants that are tolerable to a dryer landscape |
| already in place that may not be as environmentally | | | | - Efficient Heating and cooling systems |
| conscious as you would like. For those looking to live a | | | | - Maximizing natural light throughout |
| more environmentally friendly way, green apartment | | | | - Designed to need less heating and cooling by being |
| living just may be the thing for you. Many apartments | | | | well insulated and having low ceilings |
| are taking a green approach, enabling residents to live | | | | - Eco-friendly practices in construction |
| the sustainable and socially responsible life to the fullest. | | | | More than a Trend |
| A Head Start | | | | Sustainable living began as a great idea which has |
| Apartments, with a higher population density, already | | | | developed into more than a national trend. Technology |
| have a head start in reducing the carbon footprint. | | | | has made it possible to create developments in which |
| There has recently been a large growth spurt for | | | | the energy usage and the carbon footprint is reduced |
| green apartment communities. They are making more | | | | significantly, and demand is high for these green |
| than just the casual effort to create an environmentally | | | | apartments. The advantages of green living are huge |
| conscience atmosphere while provided much better | | | | and very beneficial to the renter and owner as well as |
| choices for tenants. They also have the satisfaction of | | | | the environment. |
| knowing they are doing their part to make a | | | | - Energy systems, such as solar systems, pay for |
| difference. | | | | themselves |
| Proactively Green | | | | - Lower maintenance needs |
| Many new green apartment initiatives specialize in | | | | - Less impact on the environment |
| converting industrial buildings slated for demolition, | | | | - Healthier indoor spaces |
| re-purposing the space for affordable green living. | | | | - The better use of space often allows for an |
| Other apartments specialize in redeveloping | | | | increased number of apartments in the building |
| apartments and outfitting them with environmentally | | | | When Every Bit Counts |
| friendly products. Enormously popular, these | | | | For those already living an eco-aware lifestyle, the |
| apartments have proven to have added benefits, such | | | | opportunity to live in a green apartment and partner |
| as already being located near the local job base, | | | | with those who know that every bit of effort counts is |
| allowing people to walk, bike, or bus to work. | | | | extremely satisfying. Often, even the most devoted |
| Common Features | | | | and concerted efforts of buying local foods, reducing |
| - Practicing water conservation with items such as low | | | | waste, and reducing emissions can feel negated when |
| flow toilets, faucets, and showers. | | | | they eventually go home to an apartment that could |
| - Sub-metering utilities to reduce usage | | | | be so much more efficient, should the development |
| - Energy efficient appliances | | | | owners care to make the steps. Living in green |
| - The use of bamboo flooring and other sustainable | | | | apartments is a completely achievable goal. They will |
| woods | | | | also be in very high demand. |
| - The use of environmentally friendly paints | | | | |