8 Ways to Green Your HOA

Home Owner Associations or HOA’s are becoming more and more of a reality for many Americans. In fact, in 2008 there was a reported 300,800 association-governed communities. With about 71 percent of people polled in 2007 rating their overall HOA experience as positive, these associations aren’t going anywhere.With these governing organizations becoming a larger part of our lives, making sure that is follows or adheres to our eco-concerns is just as important as making sure our own homes are up to environmental code.If your HOA were to be evaluated for its level of eco-consciousness, how would it score? If you believe your community could be greener, take a look at our 8 Ways to get your HOA on the same page as your lifestyle.

1. Go paperless

Stop the presses! (And the office printers and copiers.) To ensure your HOA doesn’t waste paper, make sure community Web sites and e-mails are used for announcements and billing. To reduce paper waste, many HOAs are using the Internet for HOA fee transactions, announcements and event calendars.

2. Save water

Homes and communities everywhere can probably stand to improve upon their water-saving techniques. Using rainwater capture and infiltration systems to water common-area turf and vegetation is a great way for a HOA to increase its water efficiency.Community sprinkler systems with rain-excess sensors and homes fit with community gray water irrigation systems that use recycled water sources instead of city water supplies, reduce HOA water usage overall.

3. Encourage eco-landscaping

A great start to greening your HOA is to take a look at the community’s landscaping. Green landscaping puts to use water-saving techniques, including irrigation systems and strategic plant selection to conserving water and reducing need for chemical fertilizers.Gas-powered mowers account for 5 percent of air pollution. Propane mowers are a nice alternative. The U.S. EPA is a great resource for environmentally friendly landscaping. Many HOAs use drought-resistant and indigenous plants to create natural spillways or irrigation systems and also utilize sprinklers with timers and/or water-efficient spray heads.

4. Clean up the equipment

Propane Mower Now that your community’s landscaping is green, make sure those mowers are green too! Instead of gasoline-powered tools, encourage your HOA to use mowers and tools that run on cleaner fuel. According, to the EPA, gasoline-powered mowers are responsible for nearly 5 percent of our air pollution. Nontoxic propane mowers are a great alternative to gas-powered mowers.

Although cost is a factor, over time these clean machines last longer and are far more efficient. Of course, if power is available, electric powered mowers, blowers and trimmers are an even greener choice for power equipment.

5. Find Alternate Power

Solar Lighting Let your HOA see the light – solar-operated light, that is. The availability of solar-generated lighting, fixtures and appliances is greater now than ever. You can purchase them at any home improvement store – and IKEA has come out with its own line of sun-powered lighting.

Have your HOA install low energy, infrared and ultrasonic fixtures and appliances for common-area buildings.HOAs with pools can use solar power generation or water heaters to heat pools. Timers and low energy bulbs for outdoor lighting, along with energy-efficient thermostats for community centers also lower HOA energy consumption.

6. Build it green

Is you community still under construction or looking to make improvements? Make sure your HOA uses energy-efficient materials for new buildings in the community or for common-area construction such as picnic areas or play areas. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), or Green Building Rating System, was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to provide a framework of standards to builders who are interested in green building and maintenance. Some greener construction options include:

Energy STAR appliances
LEED-certified fixtures and materials
Low volatile organic compound paints (VOC)
Multi-zone HVACs designed to distribute air at pre-programmed temperatures in different zones throughout the home building

7. Get schooled

Get involved with your HOA. Help organize community events and programs that will help encourage other HOA members to recycle, practice eco-friendly lawn care and learn energy-efficient activities. Some HOAs assist in the recycling of paint, batteries, pesticides, tires and other hazardous materials as well. To reduce waste, some HOAs are dropping their “bag it” rules and allowing residents to use lawn clippings as compost.

8. Try some positive reinforcement

Make it worth everyone’s while. Suggest that your HOA offer incentives, such as reduced HOA fees, for homeowners that meet certain green standards. HOAs can encourage homeowners to retrofit their homes with low-emitting cabinets, countertops and carpets, low-flow toilets and other plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient ventilation systems, low-e doors and windows and fluorescent LED lighting.