How to make your vacation rental sustainable
Committed to being part of the solution? Here are ways to turn your vacation rental into a sustainable stay.
1. Save water and go for low-flow
Your guests could be wasting water (hello, high water bills) without realizing it or meaning to. Your faucets, toilets, and showerheads could be at fault. Opt for low-flow options instead to both save water and money.
- Low-flow toilets typical use 1.6 gallons per flush (versus the 7 gallons used by standard toilets)
- Low-flow faucets can save your sink’s water flow by up to 30%
- Low-flow shower heads can help reduce water consumption by 40%
2. Install smart home tech
We’ve all hosted guests who leave the lights on and the heater running throughout the day. Vacation rental smart home technology can be your best friend (and give you a sense of control) when combatting this wasted energy and water.
- Smart leak sensors can notify you of any leaks around washing machines, behind toilets and under sinks.
- Smart thermostats allow you to set a specific range of temperatures, block guests from fiddling with temperature settings, and sense when your vacation home is unoccupied and adjust the heating and cooling accordingly.
- Smart lighting can detect when a room is empty and automatically turn off.
- Smart light bulbs use 90% less energy and last 15 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
- Smart fans (or smart fan controllers) can be paired with smart thermostats and include motion sensors so they run only when someone is in the room.
3. Install solar panels
Drastically reduce your use of fossil fuels (and the release of nasty nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere) by sourcing pure, clean energy directly from the sun instead. However, installing solar panels can be pricey. While solar panels are considered one of the most proven ways to save on electricity, on average it can take up to 8 years to break even.
4. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models
Older washers, dryers, furnaces, and refrigerators are notorious for draining energy. Replace them with energy-efficient options, such as those with the Energy Star label. For instance, installing one of their certified dishwashers can mean saving 5,000 gallons of water annually.
5. Grow a garden and plant trees
Lush gardens and yards are more than beautiful to look at, they’re champions for healthy air. They naturally clean the air by sucking carbon out of the atmosphere. Consider low-maintenance landscaping for your vacation rental. This means planting only what’s native to the area, a move which means less watering.
6. Use natural cleaning solutions
Purchase—or ask your housekeepers to use—cleaning products without ammonia, dyes, chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals. Natural solutions aren’t just better for your guests, but also help to keep the local water supply clean.
7. Upgrade your plugs and power strips
Some gadgets continuously suck energy, even when they’re not being used, such as TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers, and video game consoles. This is known as phantom or vampire energy—basically wasted energy going down the drain. Smart plugs and power strips will automatically cut power completely when the item isn’t in use.
8. Look for eco-friendly linens
Even sleep and showers can be greener. When buying towels, linens, and bedding, look for sustainable materials that don’t harm animals or the environment. This includes organic cotton which is cultivated without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Or, choose alternatives to goose down for your duvets and comforters.
9. Buy energy-efficient air conditioners
Air conditioners can be your home’s biggest electricity suck. Especially if left on throughout the day in the summer or in warm destinations. So look for a more efficient, modern model. Today’s most efficient air conditioners now consume about 30% less energy than standard units. That means lower electricity bills and less carbon emissions.
Other ways to save: Use window awnings to block direct sunlight and install ceiling fans.
