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By definition, property management companies’ top business strategy is to attract and retain tenants. In addition to fulfilling basic tenant requirements, property management companies are continually looking for competitive advantages, differentiators and proof points that elevate their facilities over other choices in the San Antonio market. One prominent trend for property management in 2024 was a growing awareness in sustainability.

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Moreover, sustainability still proves to be of great importance in 2025 and it can be linked to cost savings and added value with time. With sustainability at the forefront of trends surrounding property management, it is key to evaluate the benefits of this persistent trend.

One city program, ReWorksSA, was designed specifically to help local businesses implement or improve sustainability best practices in both their business model and culture.

ReWorksSA has a consultancy program design that meets businesses where they are on their sustainability journey and through the course of the relationship can help business leaders find new green opportunities they may not have even considered. The program helps businesses find solutions in the areas of recycling and composting, energy and water conservation, transportation efficiencies and environmental policies. ReworksSA engagement and resources are at no cost and are both scalable and customizable for any type of business in any sector and of any size.

By focusing on sustainability opportunities, ReWorksSA helps property management companies save on costs and maintenance, increase property value, and attract more eco-friendly tenants. A few examples include cost savings seen after installing LED lighting, implementing efficient HVAC systems that lower energy bills, and installing low-flow fixtures can save on water bills. Having a greener building can increase property values and lead to higher rental income due to tenants wanting a more sustainability focused space.

ReWorksSA is a collaborative effort between San Antonio’s Solid Waste Management Department (SWMD) and the Office of Sustainability. It is a key climate initiative of the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP).

Marcus Lee, SWMD’s marketing manager, states “The drive for sustainability actually cascades upwards. End-user consumers and employees are increasingly placing a focus on corporate social responsibility and a culture of environmental stewardship from the companies they select to do business with or work for. Tenants strive to provide that to their customers and if a property management company can help a tenant with the ability to actualize this core value, that management company creates a better value proposition for keeping its real estate at maximum occupancy.”

Lee cites heat mitigation as a prime example. “Stores provide AC to keep customers comfortable inside. Very few in San Antonio would shop anywhere without it. But what about outside? Are there possibilities for shaded landscaping or covered parking that could support solar panels? Installing these puts the property management company in direct partnership with keeping their tenants’ profitable by enhancing their customers’ loyalty.”

How would consumers and employees even realize a business’s commitment to sustainability? Recognition is a significant benefit offered by the ReWorksSA program. ReWorksSA certifies businesses for sustainability best practices. Those businesses that go through the process can be certified as bronze, silver, gold or receive the highest accolade, the Pinnacle Award, as champions of San Antonio’s sustainable future.

Through ReworksSA, the city published a directory of certified businesses and promotes that listing to the public for their awareness. Lee continues, “Certification is another confirmation of a business’s positive reputation. Hotels and restaurants strive for stars, some businesses place importance on a J.D. Powers or Consumers Choice Award and in the property management industry the Facilities Management Awards come with high esteem. Even down to the small businesses that rely on online customer reviews, adding a ReWorksSA certification to a company profile brings tangible value. We can put you on this map.”

As more tenants prefer contracting with property management companies that prioritize sustainability, it is important for these companies to take that into consideration. Additionally, The US Green Building Council found that 93% of employees in certified green buildings reported higher job satisfaction and were able to describe themselves as ‘happy’, while at the workplace.

This increasing demand from tenants and consumers is putting pressure on property management companies to strengthen their sustainability game. Industry leaders like The Institute of Real Estate Managements (IREM) recognizes sustainability’s importance and offers courses to help property management professionals remain competitive. These courses range from Environmental, Social and Governance strategies, to water and energy conservation practices and even provide a Certified Sustainable Property Certification (CSP) to equip professionals with skills in building and managing more sustainable and resilient properties.

All engagement with ReWorksSA is at no cost. Additionally, some sustainability resources and supplies are available at no cost. Complete information on the program is available here.

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