Sustainable living
We want to make tenant living as sustainable as possible while enabling our tenants to make responsible choices – in that order.
We don’t expect our tenants to make our operations sustainable, but we encourage responsible choices wherever possible. We understand that life situations vary, and not everyone has the same amount of energy, money, or time available to promote sustainability in their housing.
What are we doing?ShowClose
Responsible choices should be an easy part of daily life. If responsible choices require ten extra hurdles to implement, they’re unlikely to happen. As a landlord, it is our role to make responsible choices accessible for our tenants.
Construction and new developments
- We build near good public transport connections and close to educational institutions.
- We reduce the segregation of residential areas by constructing student apartments in prime and central locations.
- Many of our new developments are car-free properties.
- We provide 7 sorting bins in our new developments for different types of recyclable waste.
- Our properties offer bike spaces, and an increasing number of developments allow bikes to be locked by their frame, with designated bike parking spots.
Energy
- We purchase all our energy from renewable sources.
- We systematically improve the energy efficiency of our properties.
- We are increasing our own energy production through renewable energy sources.
Living
- We offer a wide range of housing options, from studios to shared apartments, in both urban and suburban areas.
- We are adding charging stations for electric cars at our properties.
- We ensure proper instructions for waste sorting and provide QR codes in waste rooms to inform tenants when waste bins have been emptied.
- We’ve added sorting instructions to the cabinets of some apartments to test whether this improves waste sorting.
- The security deposit for our apartments is €0, with some exceptions.
- Lower rent allows tenants to focus on their studies.
Services
- We offer tenants a wide range of digital services available 24/7.
- We support tenants with comprehensive housing counseling for any challenges they may face.
- Free sauna and laundry room slots are available for tenants.
- We communicate extensively about sustainability on our website.
- Sometimes, we hit the road, giving tenants the opportunity to meet Hoas representatives at their own property.
- Our properties have designated caretakers and house managers.
- We regularly assess the needs of young people and advocate for student housing when there is a particular need to do so.
Community
- We support community building through diverse common spaces, such as clubrooms and shared study rooms.
- We support tenant committees and their activities.
Biodiversity
- In new developments, green spaces are designed to support biodiversity.
- Our properties offer urban gardening opportunities and “pollinator-friendly” areas.
- We are increasing meadow areas at our properties to support biodiversity.
What can you do?ShowClose
While we strive to do a lot and take primary responsibility for Hoas’s sustainability, we also want to encourage our tenants to make responsible choices in their everyday lives, within the scope of their resources.
Since sustainability is not an isolated concept, we’ve incorporated tips on sustainable living throughout our website, particularly where choices can influence the sustainability of your living situation. And don’t worry if you don’t have time to read everything – here are some tips for making sustainable choices in your daily life.
Energy and water
- If electricity is not included in your rent, switch to green electricity if financially feasible.
- Using less electricity between 7–9 a.m. and 6–9 p.m. helps balance peak demand.
- Turn off electrical devices that are not in use.
- Ventilate efficiently.
- Use passive methods, like curtains and blinds, to cool your apartment.
- If your apartment has drafts or leaky taps, submit a service request through MyHoas.
- Shorten your showers.
- Use the shared laundry rooms, as laundry slots are free – but make sure to wash full loads.
- Use eco-labeled detergents and dose them correctly.
- Sometimes airing out clothes is enough instead of washing them – this also helps them last longer.
Living
- Sort your waste – this also reduces property costs.
- Add a “No ads” sticker to your door to reduce unnecessary paper waste.
- Defrost your freezer regularly to extend its lifespan.
Eating and drinking
- Reduce food waste.
- Prefer local, organic, or nearby-produced food.
- Eat more plant-based meals.
- Switch from dairy to plant-based alternatives.
- Brew only the amount of coffee you plan to drink.
- Eat according to the seasons.
- Plan your shopping list before going to the store.
- Buying products close to their expiration date reduces waste and saves money.
- Carry a refillable water bottle with you.
Transportation
- Walk, bike, or take the train.
- If you travel, consider how, where, and for how long – air travel, in particular, produces a significant amount of emissions.
Clothes, items, and other purchases
- Buy second-hand – just make sure to inspect furniture for pests.
- Items like laptops can be bought refurbished, which also saves money.
- Sell or give away items you no longer need.
- Repair and maintain your belongings.
- Borrow or rent items, and lend things out.
- If you buy new, purchase what you need, and opt for ethically produced items if possible.
- Use reusable shopping bags.
*) Some suggestions have been adapted from Sitra’s lifestyle test. Go check it out!