Greystar Focuses on Engaging Residents in the Organization’s Overall Strategy
To support Greystar’s mission, to enrich the lives we touch by doing things the right way, the organization has developed a sustainability program, Redefining Green. It is an integral part of business operations designed to engage team members and residents.
“At Greystar, we strive to make all-encompassing programs that can be utilized by our dynamic group of clients, team members and residents alike,” Lexie Goldberg, Sustainability Manager for Greystar, says. “While this is no easy feat, we are able to accomplish these goals through well organized and consistent programs.”
A precise set of operating policies and procedures helps to ensure that Greystar sustainability standards are met at each community. It also provides consistency throughout the portfolio while emphasizing dedication to conserving natural resources.
“One very important aspect of meeting our organizational sustainability goals is to positively engage our team members and the residents at each of the communities we manage,” Lori Hanson, Manager of Operations for Greystar, says. “We strive to make sustainability a cornerstone at all communities and emphasize our efforts during a month-long event we call Sustainable September.”
During Sustainable September, Greystar puts specific and daily focus on engaging communities and team members through a variety of eco-friendly initiatives. Each community and corporate office can choose from a list of sustainability projects that invite and promote engagement so that those who use energy, water and other resources focus on more sustainable ways to live and do business.
The goal is to reduce consumption of energy, water and other resources as a way to decrease the environmental impact. The organization communicates the initiatives through multiple channels including videos, emails, blog posts and social media. The flexibility allows team members to be creative and engage with their residents in a variety of fun activities that benefit the planet.
Greystar recently held its 4th Annual Sustainable September. The organization received a high level of participation from communities and corporate offices. Among the creative ideas and activities that were completed this year:
- Several communities set up a moving box exchange which received rave reviews from residents. When residents move in, communities offer to pick up their moving boxes or have them dropped off in a specified location. Then residents that are relocating can reuse the boxes.
- The Bluffs and Patriot Pointe held community swap meets for residents. Both communities worked together to encourage residents to bring household items and clothing that they no longer use to a swap meet. Residents then had the opportunity to select and exchange items that would otherwise go into a landfill.
- The Village at Gracy Farms held a “Lights Out” party in an effort to reduce energy use. The community encouraged residents to join in with team members to work in the natural light. Residents could pick-up glow sticks from the leasing office and were encouraged to take steps to reduce energy consumption within their apartment homes. Residents enjoyed the tranquility of the event while sharing ways in which they could save energy at home.
- The Village at Gracy Farms sponsored an energy-saving contest where the resident with the most savings between August and September won a prize. Once residents receive their billing from the city, the most reduced energy bill will earn a great prize.
- Oceanview Apartments promoted and participated in the “Save our Shores” annual beach cleanup. Save our Shores is a nonprofit marine conservation organization out of Santa Cruz. The Annual Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer efforts for our oceans. Team members and residents at Oceanview helped cleanup over 85 miles of coastline along California’s Central Coast.
- Lock Vista Apartments partnered with Commute Seattle and hosted a public transportation day. Several vendors were featured at the event, all displaying different modes of transportation around the city. Vendors included Lyft, Seattle Department of Transportation, Sound Transit and Reach Now. The event educated residents on different forms and benefits of public transportation. Participating residents received giveaways from vendors and free bike tune ups were offered.
“Our residents are truly an integral part of making our community and organizational goals a reality. By getting them involved in our Sustainable September activities, we are able to realize our mission of enriching the lives we touch by promoting environmental stewardship,” says Goldberg. “This initiative not only helps Greystar reduce its environmental impact, it also benefits our residents, clients, team members and future generations.”
In addition to a focus on engaging residents and team members during Sustainable September, Greystar encourages environmentally friendly practices throughout the year. One of the ways they do this is through the “green” channel of their @Home blog. Greystar publishes bi-monthly posts focused on eco-friendly practices and sustainable living tips. Some of the topics include tips on how to save water, apartment composting, recycling, how to celebrate “green” holidays, among other eco-living guidelines. The blog is an important way for Greystar to communicate, educate and encourage team members and residents to make more sustainable choices every day.
Check out the blog at http://www.greystar.com/blog/categories/greystar-green.
“As with any organization in our industry, our day-to-day business could not survive without our residents,” said Hanson. “It is essential to Greystar that we involve and work with our residents and team members to meet and exceed our company-wide initiatives.”