Thanks to modern methods of construction and proptech solutions, most multifamily properties already boast a comparatively low carbon footprint. But, while low-emission materials, improved insulation, and energy efficiencies help reduce the structure’s impact on the environment, resident apps are doing the same for multifamily communities.
A fully bespoke resident engagement app can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of your multifamily community by transforming the way residents interact and live within a property.
Below, we’ve listed just some of the ways a resident center app and platform can minimize your multifamily property’s environmental impact.
- Use a fully digital resident guide
It’s pretty much a given that no one really likes flipping through a paper resident guide. New residents typically find these typically come in 2 varieties: dog-eared, coffee stained, and a bit gross or brand new fresh out the box.
In either case, paper resident guides are taxing on the environment. Whether you’re getting yours printed professionally or doing a DIY job with the office printer, the ink, paper, electricity, and delivery emissions all add up to a Bigfoot-sized carbon footprint.
A community resident portal app offers an alternative with a fully digital resident guide integrated right into a resident engagement app. This is not just better for the environment but is also more in tune with modern occupants with searching, bookmarks, and screenshotting all possible.
- Discover efficiencies with analytics
Thanks to real-time analytics tools, a functional dashboard can also help you discover efficiencies in your multifamily property.
Multifamily operators can utilize resident surveys to find out exactly how your occupants use your property and their overall happiness level. For example, resident surveys can be used to query whether residents feel hallways and communal areas are too warm, too cold, or just right. In the case of being too warm, you’ll know you can safely reduce the heating in these areas without affecting resident satisfaction.
Surveys are a good way to gauge how energy-conscious your residents are too. Data such as how many occupants use smart bulbs, ring fence their appliances and lighting, and receptiveness to emission-reducing changes can all be collected through custom surveys.
- Normalize carbon awareness with social features
Flamingo’s social features give occupants a familiar interface to engage with each other with direct messaging and a social feed being the most well-used.
Residents enjoy sharing photos and thoughts about what they’re doing, where they are, how they’re doing, and how fluffy their cat is. Unlike traditional multifamily buildings, this feature creates a community out of the residents, something that can be used to reduce carbon emissions.
Operators can run regular hashtag campaigns to encourage carbon-conscious decisions. For example, #lowcarbonlife could accompany posts with residents demonstrating recycling efforts, switching off unused appliances, and batch cooking meals.
The social features encourage others to partake and get involved while also cementing community bonds.
- Save wasted journeys with in-app maintenance requests
Traditionally, maintenance requests are a bit of a drag for both residents and multifamily operators. Residents might be required to ring or submit in writing a maintenance request form, detailing the problem despite perhaps not being experienced enough to do so.
A resident app simplifies this and removes the need for unnecessary inspections by maintenance workers. Occupants simply need to submit a request directly through the app letting a phone-taken photo do the talking. This can then be forwarded to maintenance who will know what to expect and what they’ll need. This saves on paper as well as trips back and forth, helping to bring down the carbon footprint of your property.
- Timely emails and lobby screens
You can also automate a host of tasks. This includes sending timely emails and text messages to residents. While this can be used to remind residents of upcoming events and rewards they may have earned, it can also be utilized to bring down your property’s emissions.
Timely messaging and digital lobby screen tools can remind occupants to switch off lights when leaving the property, adjust thermostats by a degree or two to do their bit, and more. With most multifamily occupants expressing great concern when it comes to climate change, these gentle reminders will also foster a responsible brand image.
To help bring down the carbon footprint of your multifamily, get your property a resident app! Make it easy for property managers to engage with residents, deliver the best possible experience while keeping things green.
