4 Reasons Why Sustainable Buildings Are The Perfect Investment Opportunity

Julie Starr • October 30, 2020



If you are looking for investment opportunities, it’s likely that you have already considered real estate. But have you thought about the benefits of building a sustainable building instead of buying an existing property? Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the market, embracing green construction is one of the most effective ways to invest in real estate, yet it’s a strategy that is often overlooked because the initial cost can be higher. However, the returns will be much greater. These are just some of the reasons why a sustainable building is a brilliant investment opportunity. For more insights on property maintenance and investment, visit Springfield Striping and Sealing.  

Tax Incentives 

When you are building an investment property, it’s important that you consider the tax implications. You can use cost segregation to write off the cost of the building much faster (visit https://www.tri-merit.com/services/cost-segregation/ for more information) but building sustainable buildings gives you even more tax benefits. There is a big push for more sustainable buildings and the government offers a lot of tax write-offs for green buildings, whether they are residential properties or commercial properties. For example, you can get $2,000 in tax deductions per unit for a green residential property. So, if you are building an apartment block, you can make some huge savings. 

Increased Demand 

If you are building a commercial building and trying to find businesses to rent units, you will find it so much easier if you build a sustainable property. There is a huge trend in green office space at the minute and businesses are increasingly looking for a sustainable base of operations. It benefits them because it helps them to reduce their impact on the environment and the running costs are lower as well. If you invest in an existing property that is not very energy efficient, you will have a hard time trying to find businesses that want to rent a space. 

Compliance With Future Regulations 

Regulations about energy efficiency are always changing and as time goes by, they will become stricter. As we look to the future, it’s important that we change the way that we use energy and more comprehensive laws about energy efficiency are one of the best ways to do that. It’s likely that a lot of old buildings will fall on the wrong side of regulations in the future and the owners of those buildings will be forced to retrofit their properties to bring them up to standard at their own expense. However, if you invest in buildings that are built with sustainability in mind, you will already be compliant with future regulations and you won’t have to cover this cost. You can find the current green building regulations at https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/ . 

It’s Better For The Environment 

Even though there are plenty of financial benefits to investing in sustainable buildings, you also need to consider the moral aspect. We all have a responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment and if you are an investor or a business owner that is funding new buildings, you have an even bigger responsibility to make sure that they are sustainable. Although making small personal changes will help to improve the situation, it’s more important that those with the resources to drive large-scale changes do so. 

If you are looking for a real estate opportunity, sustainable buildings are always the best choice, both financially and morally.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.