Increasingly, over the last several years real estate development projects have been piloting sustainability initiatives. Some developers focus more on sustainability than others. Today, and in the coming years, these types of initiatives will move from ‘pilots’ to business as usual. While it’s true there are real estate developers that already incorporate sustainability as a business-as-usual practice, it is not the norm.
New communities being developed in the suburbs of cities have a great opportunity to redefine the status quo of the suburbs.
Examples of sustainability related initiatives that should be implemented in new communities include (but aren’t limited to):
- Community solar or community clean energy projects
- Increasing mixed use land zoning
- Locally sourced heating such as geothermal, district heating etc.
- Design for walking, biking, and other sustainable forms of transportation
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Community gardens and additional green space
- Built to last building materials (asphalt shingles that need to be replaced every 15-20 years just won’t cut it)
- Emissions free housing (i.e. no natural gas heating or cooking appliances etc.)
Experienced land developers are already experimenting or implementing these concepts, however it is critical that we go beyond experimenting to wide-scale implementation and business as usual.
Furthermore, municipal and provincial regulations across Canada should be considering their building laws. The Los Angeles City Council voted recently to ban most gas appliances in new construction, joining 50 California cities and counties that have adopted similar rules (LA Times, found at https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-05-27/get-ready-for-electric-stoves-los-angeles-bans-natual-gas-in-most-new-homes).
How can land and real estate developers in Canada make sustainability a part of their investment/projects? Here are a few ideas:
1) Research Opportunities First
Thorough research into sustainability options is required to be successful. Beginning a new sustainability project without doing proper research into the various alternative options is not advisable.
2) Work with local Utilities at the planning stages
Land developers should work closely with local utilities such as the electric utility servicing the site. These early conversations can help inform design and help the developer assess what types of power generation or energy storage may be needed in the area, based on the local grid so they can help incorporate these into their designs.
3) Engage local municipality at the outset
All reputable land developers already work closely with municipalities when they develop properties because they are a key stakeholder in the project’s success. Talking to the municipality specifically about sustainability initiatives may open up new opportunities or ideas and offer unique collaborations.
4) Seek funding/grant opportunities related to sustainability initiatives
The Government of Canada, and Provincial and Territorial Governments may have grant/funding opportunities available for sustainability related initiatives in the real estate sector. Land and real estate developers should keep an eye out for such opportunities to help improve economics on their sustainability initiatives.
Unsustainable real estate development practices will cause decades of continued unsustainable living for citizens. Let’s work together to develop a new status-quo for real estate development that focuses on long-term sustainability as the pillar of new developments.
If you are a land developer and would like to learn more about how you can increase the number of sustainability initiatives in your existing or future development pipeline, reach out to us today.
Do you have questions or comments about our blog post? Connect with us on LinkedIn or via email (info@blueharpconsulting.ca).
About Blue Harp Consulting
Blue Harp Consulting works with private businesses, land developers, utilities, and governments on planning and implementing sustainability and energy related projects. We help with such projects as: how to integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure into new real estate developments, and how to make communities more sustainable. We were founded in 2020 and we operate in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Our team and number of clients is growing and we are actively seeking new projects. Reach out to us today to learn more.
Blog written by: Dave Carscadden, CEO – Blue Harp Consulting
