In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters

Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air, according to a report by National Real Estate Investor. New apartment units today almost always include some green features, with renovations often incorporating sustainable design components. 

Some 42% of overall multifamily financing provided by Fannie Mae in 2017 qualified for its Green Rewards program. That program offers lower interest rates to apartment properties that have earned green building certifications or pledge to cut their energy use by at least 25% through renovations.

Tenants are willing to pay an extra $27.21 a month to live in buildings that have green certifications, according to the 2017 NMHC/Kingsley Renter Preferences Report.

With the cost of incorporating many green features in apartment properties having dropped to be roughly comparable to conventional construction, landlords are meeting the wishes of the market. Fannie Mae’s Green Rewards program often slices about a fifth to a third of a percentage point off the interest rates offered to apartment borrowers.

In 2017, Fannie Mae provided $27.6 billion in financing to qualified apartment properties through Green Rewards.