Owning a holiday rental can be a great source of income; however, it is an increasingly competitive area. Guests are no longer only concerned with the location of a property; they also want reassurance that it is run in an environmentally friendly way.

With prices increasing globally and shifting consumer demands, it makes financial sense to implement some changes to reduce the energy usage of your rental.

Here are just some of the things you can do:

Reduce energy consumption

Heating any property is costly, but there are ways to reduce these costs. If your rental property is in a country with a hot climate, it is worth researching air source heat pumps to heat the home. These pumps heat water using hot air from outside, a much more carbon-friendly approach to heating. 

Be sure that clear instructions on how to use whatever heating device your property has is left for guests. Being unfamiliar with a heating system can often cost significant amounts of energy and money as guests may unknowingly leave the heating on as they are unfamiliar with how to use it.

Installing a smart thermostat can also be very beneficial here as these can be controlled remotely from your phone, meaning you will be able to turn the heating on just before guests arrive but ensure it isn’t kept on all the time when not needed.

This also means that should the property ever be empty for an extended period, you can turn the heating off completely. Some owners are also using Geothermal heating and cooling system in order to save energy since this type of system uses renewable energy through a ground loop which can also save up to $50 off your energy bills.

Reduce waste

While guests are staying at your property, they are likely going to generate some waste. Consider how this can be managed and reduced for the better of the environment. Firstly, ensure guests have access to adequate recycling facilities within the property.

Suppose you own an apartment rather than a house. In that case, there is a high chance that the recycling facility isn’t within the property itself, so be sure to allocate an area where guests can dispose of any recycling easily. 

Secondly, provide as many reusable products to guests as possible over single-use products. This could include tea towels rather than napkins and reusable straws instead of plastic ones. These allow guests to get the same experience and convenience without creating unnecessary waste. 

Add eco-friendly lights and solar panels

Your property must have adequate lighting so guests can enjoy their stay. Making the simple swap to LED lighting rather than using traditional bulbs can generate impressive energy savings.

Consider installing motion-censored lights in areas such as side passages or entranceways to reduce the number of times lights are left on when not required.

If you are lucky enough to have a property with an outdoor area, invest in some solar-powered lighting so that guests can enjoy the space in the evening without compromising to save energy. 

Final thoughts

As holiday rental popularity continues to grow, so too does the importance of making these properties as sustainable as possible.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple ways that you can make your holiday rental more eco-friendly, helping you to prove to potential guests (and the world at large) that you're dedicated to practicing sustainability in your business.