Times change. Today, people care more about their ecological footprint than ever before. Many would choose eco-friendly accommodations over traditional options. It’s the same for me actually. I guess having kids makes you care about leaving them a decent place to grow up in. And so I’ve gradually become more “green” and that translates into my Airbnbs. 

Here’s another perspective to keep in mind: sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s great for your profits! Let me show you how to transform your property into an eco-conscious retreat that guests will love.

Transform your energy consumption

I learned a sour lesson about energy costs in vacation rentals after getting a $600 electric bill for my first property. That problem usually comes from two things: guests who didn’t care about their energy consumption, and appliances or devices that weren’t optimized for savings. I tackled both causes and have since cut my energy costs by about 50%.

Tip 1: Smart Thermostat Installation

I went out and bought a smart thermostat. I chose the Ecobee SmartThermostat, but there are plenty of good options out there. Here’s the setup that works best:

• Set temperature limits (68-74°F)

• Create check-in/check-out schedules

• Enable vacation mode between guests

• Install sensors in main living areas

Pro tip: Name your thermostat something friendly like “Comfort Control” instead of “Energy Saver.” I noticed guests felt less inclined to try to override the settings after this simple change.

Tip 2: LED Lighting Revolution

Replacing every bulb with LEDs cut my lighting costs dramatically. But here’s how I pick the right lights:

• Use 2700K warm white in bedrooms and living areas

• Install 4000K cool white in bathrooms and kitchens

• Add motion sensors in hallways and outdoor areas

• Choose dimmable options for ambient lighting

The initial $340 investment paid for itself in just under four months. Most importantly, guest complaints about lighting dropped to zero after I found the right color temperatures.

Tip 3: ENERGY STAR appliance upgrade

Start with the biggest energy hogs:

1. Water heater (heat pump models save 60-70%)

2. HVAC system (modern units use 30% less energy)

3. Refrigerator (newer models consume 40% less power)

4. Washer/dryer combo (look for moisture sensors)

Track the age and efficiency of each appliance. My spreadsheet shows that newer ENERGY STAR appliances save an average of $840 annually per property. 

Tip 4: Install solar technology

Solar installation doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s my phased approach:

• Phase 1: Solar for basic utilities ($5,000)

• Phase 2: Battery storage addition ($3,000)

• Phase 3: Full property coverage ($7,000)

• Annual maintenance: $200

The key is starting small and scaling up. My first 4kW system covered basic utilities and paid for itself in 3.2 years. Tax incentives covered 26% of the cost, and guest bookings increased by 24% after adding “solar-powered property” to my listing title.

Remember to monitor your energy metrics. I install energy monitoring systems in all properties and share the data with guests. They love seeing their real-time impact, and it’s created a sort of game where guests compete to use less energy than previous visitors.

The combination of these four tips drastically reduced my properties’ energy consumption. That’s not just good for the environment – it’s transformed my profit margins. Energy costs now represent just 8% of my operating expenses, down from over 30% before these improvements.

Master water conservation techniques

Tip 5: Low-flow fixtures 

A leaky toilet kicked off my obsession with water-efficient solutions for my Airbnb properties. An easy first step is to install water pressure regulators to maintain consistent flow. This prevents guest complaints while saving water. 

Low-flow showerheads were my first upgrade, but not all water-saving fixtures are created equal. The first ones I installed got terrible reviews – guests complained about weak water pressure. Now I use high-pressure, low-flow models that mix air with water. They use 40% less water but still provide a luxurious shower experience. The Speakman Reaction is my go-to fixture, but again: there’s plenty of choices out there.

If you can afford it, dual-flush toilets are awesome water-savers too. I resisted installing them initially because of the cost, but they’ve paid for themselves many times over. The key is choosing models with clear, intuitive buttons.

Tip 6: Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting transformed one of my properties’ landscaping. I installed a simple system that collects roof runoff into underground tanks. The stored water handles all my garden maintenance needs during dry seasons. Pro tip: connect a basic filter to the downspouts to keep leaves and debris out of your collection system. I learned this the hard way after spending a full weekend cleaning out a clogged tank.

Tip 7: Native plant landscaping 

Using local plants in my garden means I need so much less water than the previous fancy landscaping! Guest often mention how authentic my yard feels, and ask about the plants in their reviews, which has become a great marketing point for my eco-friendly vacation rental.

Here’s how to redo your outdoors::

• Research native species (work with local nurseries)
• Group plants by water needs
• Install moisture sensors
• Use mulch to retain water

Tip 8: Gently educate guests

Clear instructions make all the difference in getting guests on board with water conservation. I created simple infographics showing water usage facts – like how a running tap wastes 6 liters per minute. These visual reminders, posted strategically around the property, help guests understand their impact. I also include water-saving tips in my welcome guide. But I present them as money-saving hacks instead of rules.

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Choose sustainable furnishings and supplies

When I first furnished my Airbnb properties, I made the classic mistake of choosing cheap, disposable furniture. When I got to sofa #3, I learned that sustainable materials aren’t just better for the planet – they’re better for profits too.

Tip 9: Sustainable furniture

What is sustainable furniture? Ideally, the material sourced to make that piece of furniture are eco-friendly. But my definition is a bit more broad: if you get good quality, robust furniture that will last, it’s already eco-friendlier than replacing stuff every few years.

I chose bamboo for some of my furniture because of its incredible strength and sustainability. My first bamboo bed frame, installed five years ago, still looks brand new despite hosting hundreds of guests. For dining areas, I got reclaimed wood tables that tell a story – each scratch and mark adds character rather than looking worn.

If you can find reputable manufacturers who use sustainable practices, that’s great! I learned to check for FSC certification and ask about the finishing processes. Some “eco-friendly” furniture uses toxic finishes that off-gas harmful chemicals. 

For living areas, I invested in modular furniture that’s easy to repair. When a guest damaged one section of my sectional sofa, I replaced just that piece instead of the entire unit. This approach has saved thousands in replacement costs while keeping furniture out of landfills.

Tip 10: Natural materials

The organic linens investment surprised me with its returns. Higher-quality organic cotton sheets last 50% longer than conventional ones, and they get softer with each wash. The initial cost was steep – about twice what I paid for regular linens – but the extended lifespan more than makes up for it.

Beyond linens, I’ve discovered that natural fiber mattress protectors and pillowcases improve air quality and reduce allergens. Several guests have specifically booked my properties because of these hypoallergenic options.

I also added a couple of indoor plants that are easy to care for and natural “air purifiers.” Snake plants, spider plants, and peace lilies now filter air in every room. They’re nearly impossible to kill and effectively remove common indoor pollutants. The green touches make my Airbnbs feel more alive and cozy in listing photos too.

Create an (almost) zero-waste kitchen 

My journey to a zero-waste kitchen started after realizing my properties generated 50 pounds of waste per guest stay. Three key changes transformed my kitchens into models of sustainability that guests love to photograph and share.

Tip 11: Help guests recycle

The key is making recycling easier than throwing everything in the trash. When I positioned the recycling bins closer to food prep areas than the garbage, proper sorting increased. Here’s what actually works:

• Three clearly labeled bins with motion-sensor lights

• Simple guides with picturesshowing common items

• Weekly tracking of waste reduction

• Magnetic sorting guide on the refrigerator

Tip 12: Less single-use plastics

I replaced many disposable items with durable alternatives and focused on creating systems that feel natural to guests. Glass water bottles replaced plastic ones. I provided beeswax wraps and silicon bags to store food. I also included reusable to-go cups to accommodate guests who like their coffee or tea on the go. 

Tip 13: Try local partnerships

There must be a few local food growers, coffee shops, or other small businesses who care about eco-friendliness. Try to be creative and create connections between them and your guests. For one of my Airbnbs, I set up a local partnerships with family farm that delivers seasonal produce in reusable baskets. These connections add authentic touches that guests mention constantly in reviews.

Market your eco-friendly features

Time to show your guests how eco-friendly your Airbnb really is! And I thank you in advance for playing your part in making hospitality a bit greener. 

Tip 14: Metrics and certifications

Tracking and sharing sustainability metrics is how you prove to guests that booking your place is a meaningful contribution to caring for our planet. I make sure to include this data in my listing: 

• Energy consumption vs. local averages

• Water usage reductions

• Waste diverted from landfills

• Cost savings from eco-initiatives

Some people prefer official green certifications to validate sustainability claims, think LEED or Energy Star, or even local green business recognition.

Tip 15: Show off your eco-friendly listing

Getting the word out about your sustainable property requires a little bit of storytelling. But if you do this right, you’ll be able to tap into a new group of travelers:  environmentally conscious people. An additional bonus about these guests is that they take great care of your property. Here’s what you should include:

1. Professional photos of eco-friendly features

2. Detailed sustainability section in listing

3. Regular updates on green initiatives

4. Data on environmental impact

5. Guest testimonials about eco-features

Social proof drives bookings. Guest reviews mentioning eco-features get featured prominently. Post-stay messages include specific questions about sustainability features: “How did you find the solar-heated water?” or “Did the recycling system work well for you?”

I also make sure to include a dedicated section in the house manual that explains the environmental impact of each feature. This educates guests and encourages proper use of eco-friendly systems. 

Your takeaway

Honestly, I believe that eco-friendliness will become increasingly important in our lives. So start today by conducting an energy audit of your property and replacing all traditional bulbs with LED alternatives. This simple step can reduce your lighting energy consumption by a big margin and immediately show guests your commitment to sustainability.