Bluegrass Greensource and GLAA Partner to Promote Apartment Sustainability

Increasing residential sustainability has been one of the primary goals at Bluegrass Greensource since its inception in 2001. This goal serves a double purpose in that it not only benefits the environment, but also offers additional incentives for homeowners looking to save money on utility expenses. But what happens for the thousands of Lexington/Fayette County residents who live in apartments and lack the ability or resources to implement such changes on their own?

Often times the responsibility for increasing sustainability and educating residents falls on the shoulders of apartment managers where the prospect of making substantial changes with limited time and resources can seem rather daunting. Fortunately, this is where Bluegrass Greensource comes into play as a valuable resource for supplying apartment managers with the education and tools they need to become more sustainable.

Recently, Bluegrass Greensource has partnered with the Greater Lexington Apartment Association (GLAA) to provide resources and education to apartment managers about easy to implement, sustainable practices that can help reduce their financial bottom line and increase livability for residents, all while helping the planet. This approach to sustainability, known as the Triple Bottom Line (Profit, People, Planet), was the focus of a recent presentation by Bluegrass Greensource Outreach Staff at the GLAA September General Membership Meeting on September 22nd.

Outreach Specialists Rob Gates and Bridget Abernathy spoke to a crowd of 60+ GLAA members, representing properties throughout Lexington and Fayette County, about the many ways sustainable initiatives can benefit a property’s triple bottom line by minimizing costs, attracting clientele, and gaining a competitive advantage among other properties. The presentation covered a wide array of topics ranging from energy/water conservation, energy efficient purchasing and retrofitting, running a successful recycling program, urban landscaping, proper FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) disposal, as well as potential rebates and resources available for implementing such measures.

With all the options available it can be difficult, and somewhat overwhelming, to know where to begin when deciding what sustainable goals are right for each property. Because of this, it is important to note that even small changes can add up over time to make a substantial difference in increasing a property’s sustainability, with the first step being to engage and encourage residents to adopt sustainable practices themselves. Thankfully Bluegrass Greensource is available to help property managers assess their current state of sustainability, identify potential areas of improvement, and provide the resources and expertise required to develop a plan of action to set and achieve attainable goals.

If you are a property manager, or a resident who would like to see your apartment complex become more sustainable, please feel free to contact Rob or Bridget with any additional questions.

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Greater Lexington Apartment Association – Sustainability in Multi-Family Residential Dwellings

Bluegrass Greensource has been invited to talk about sustainability at the Greater Lexington Apartment Association (GLAA) General Membership Meeting in September. Attendees will learn about easy to implement, sustainable strategies to lower utility expenses, attract clientele, gain a competitive advantage, and improve their triple bottom line of profit, people, and planet. The presentation will include information on:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Water Conservation
  • Recycling Programs
  • Tenant Education
  • Highlight of Free Tools & Resources that can help implement green initiatives.

The meeting is open to GLAA members.

WHEN: Tuesday, September 22nd |  11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
WHERE: Doubletree Suites, 2601 Richmond Rd, Lexington, KY 40509
COST: $32 per person | Two or more people $30 per person

REGISTRATION: Register through GLAA at: http://www.greaterlaa.com/september-gmm.html

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Locations for Move Out Madness

New MOM banners

How does Move-Out-Madness work?  Hippo Crate has donated storage crates to be placed at two Lexington apartment communities – Newtown Crossing and Campus Courts at Red Mile.  The crates will be placed at each property for one week during their busiest move-out times this summer, allowing tenants to place their unwanted furniture and items inside.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore will pick up the furniture and home items from the crates while God’s Pantry will collect non-perishable food items.  Tenants will be encouraged to take unwanted clothing items to Goodwill, the Hope Center, or Salvation Army.

How can I get involved? Look for the banner in the photo above on the Hippo Crate at Campus Courts at Red Mile from July 16 to July 23, or at Newtown Crossing from July 26 to August 2.

Click here to view our locations.

Move Out Madness is sponsored by the Greater Lexington Apartment Association’s Green Committee, LFUCG, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, Bluegrass Greensource, Hippo Crates, and God’s Pantry.

Please contact Lisa Conley or Beth Oleson with questions at 266-1572.

Poster

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