Boardwalk Blog | Apartment Rental Guide in Canada

Sustainability-Conscious Apartment Practices

Written by Boardwalk REIT | Feb 28, 2025 10:39:00 PM

How Boardwalk Supports Greener Living 

Sustainable living is more important than ever, and at Boardwalk, we are committed to supporting environmentally conscious choices through our B Sustainable pillar. By focusing on reducing environmental impact, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable habits, we aim to build communities that contribute to a healthier planet. Whether you're looking to make small changes at home or seeking an eco-friendly place to live, here are some sustainability-conscious apartment practices and answers to common questions about living sustainably in an apartment.

How to make an apartment more sustainable 

Making your apartment more sustainable doesn’t require major renovations—simple daily habits can reduce your environmental footprint. Consider the following: 

  • Use energy-efficient lighting: Switch to LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption. 
  • Conserve water: Turn off taps when not in use and choose water-efficient showerheads and faucets. 
  • Reduce waste: Recycle, compost where possible, and avoid single-use plastics. 
  • Choose eco-friendly products: Use environmentally friendly cleaning products and reusable items. 
  • Improve air quality: Add indoor plants and avoid synthetic air fresheners. 

Boardwalk supports these efforts by providing energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and convenient recycling programs in many of our communities. 

Is it more sustainable to live in an apartment? 

Yes, apartment living is often more sustainable than living in a standalone house. Apartments typically share walls, floors, and ceilings, which reduces heating and cooling needs. Additionally, multi-unit buildings require fewer construction materials and less land compared to single-family homes. At Boardwalk, our commitment to energy-efficient systems and sustainable building practices further enhances the eco-friendliness of apartment living. 

Boardwalk is also proud to have two ENERGY STAR-certified buildings—The Aurora and The Vue—which meet rigorous energy efficiency standards. These buildings reflect our commitment to reducing environmental impact through innovative, high-performance designs that benefit both our Resident Members and the planet. 

Why are apartments better than houses for the environment? 

Apartments offer several environmental benefits compared to houses: 

  • Reduced energy consumption: Shared walls help insulate units, reducing heating and cooling needs. 
  • Smaller carbon footprint: Apartment living typically results in lower per-person energy use and emissions. 
  • Efficient use of space: Apartments use land more efficiently, reducing urban sprawl and preserving green spaces. 
  • Sustainable infrastructure: Apartment communities can share amenities and services, reducing resource consumption. 

Boardwalk’s B Sustainable pillar aligns with these benefits by focusing on energy-efficient building operations and promoting eco-friendly habits among our Resident Members. 

What are 10 ways to be more sustainable in an apartment? 

Living sustainably in an apartment is easy with a few simple changes. Here are ten ways to reduce your environmental impact: 

  1. Switch to LED lighting. 
  2. Unplug electronics when not in use. 
  3. Use energy-efficient appliances. 
  4. Reduce water consumption with shorter showers and full laundry loads. 
  5. Recycle and compost to reduce waste. 
  6. Avoid single-use plastics. 
  7. Choose reusable bags, containers, and water bottles. 
  8. Buy second-hand furniture and decor. 
  9. Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
  10. Support local businesses to reduce transportation emissions. 

At Boardwalk, we strive to make sustainable living accessible and convenient. Our communities are designed to support environmentally friendly choices, helping Resident Members live more sustainably without sacrificing comfort or convenience. 

Check out our Sustainability & ESG Report 

To learn more about how Boardwalk integrates sustainability into our communities, check out our latest ESG Report, where we outline our commitment to energy efficiency, responsible operations, and long-term environmental initiatives. 

Final thoughts 

Living sustainably in an apartment setting is not only possible—it’s essential. Through our B Sustainable pillar, Boardwalk is committed to reducing environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for our Resident Members. By adopting eco-friendly habits and making mindful choices, we can all contribute to a healthier planet—one apartment at a time.