The meaning of “green landlord” varies between people, but it can generally be divided into two categories: green construction and green education.

    Green construction means using your rental properties to create an environmentally friendly home. When something needs to be updated or replaced, choose the most environmentally friendly options, such as EnergyStar appliances, recycled products and so on. Make choices for your rental properties that are similar to the choices you would make for your own home in the process of a renovation. Also, consider long-term maintenance. Install carpet squares that can be individually replaced in areas as needed rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. Optimize natural features such as hardwood floors that will never need replaced and will require minimal chemical upkeep.

    Green education means putting systems in place that encourage tenants to live green and then taking the time to educate them on how and why you have these systems in place. Examples of green education include:
• Small composting bins in each apartment that empty into a larger unit in the back yard and are eventually used    to fertilize an organic garden.
• Compact florescent light bulbs supplied and replaced by the landlord. This, along with ample natural light such    as skylights, limits the necessary use of electric light.
• Do not include utilities such as gas and electricity in the cost of rent. When tenants pay their own utilities, they    are more likely to control their usage.
• Make an education binder available to all tenants. Discuss the products used in their apartment and why each    was chosen. This can include brochures and printouts on recycled carpet squares, the organic lawn-care    service, marmoleum flooring and solatube skylights.

Carolyn Bentley, a Lakewood landlord and avid green home remodeler, is always on the lookout for like-minded tenants and landlords. To contact her, please call (216) 470-1502.