Entrust Learning Center > Keyword: real estate > Sustainable Infill Development Growing Trend in a Down Market

Sustainable Infill Development Growing Trend in a Down Market

By: Curt Smeller, Business Development Manager for The Entrust Group - Oregon

IRA & 401(k) Insights

You might be noticing as you drive around the urban areas of your community a growing trend of re-development.  Rehab is giving way to Rebuild, as many real estate investors are capitalizing on the weak housing market coupled with a competitive labor market where supply is outpacing demand.  The re-development of existing developed urban centers is often referred to as Infill Development.  Mix in the popularity of environment friendly or green building practices and now you have Sustainable Infill Development. 

Sustainable Infill Development lends itself to key considerations about how the re-development of real estate will affect both the short term and long term environmental and economic impacts within a community.  Added to these environmental and economic benefits, sustainable practices often lead to reduced energy consumption and tangible socio-economic benefits.

What are some of the features of Sustainable Infill Development?

• Native plants and natural landscaping requiring less water, fertilization and pesticide treatment
• Vegetated roofs improving storm water management and promoting UV ray absorption which helps to moderate climate temperature
• Energy-efficient building materials including improved insulation, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels and grey water reuse systems
• Cisterns and other water catchment systems combined with more efficient plumbing materials to help prevent waste or overuse of municipal water supply
• Rain gardens, permeable pavements, and permeable hardscapes allowing storm water to filter back into the ground and preventing contaminated runoff
• Building materials selected from and recycled by local sources
  

These features of Sustainable Infill Development only begin to scratch the surface of the modern urban rebuilding movement. Increasingly, investors are becoming more aware of the impact their dollars carry into their local communities. Such social consciousness not only leads to significant environmental benefits but also may help ensure the long term use and value of the re-developed real estate.

Strategies available to IRA investors encompassing these practices only differ from traditional real estate strategies by simple socially conscious choice.  IRA investors willing to learn more about Sustainable Infill Development should seek information from municipal agencies like Planning Departments, Economic Development Departments, Building Departments, Mayoral or City Councils/Commissions, and other such community organizations.  

By Curt Smeller

Curt Smeller is a Business Development Manager for The Entrust Group - Oregon, a premier provider of self-directed retirement plans. He can be reached at csmeller@theentrustgroup.com or (503) 534-3540.

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