Frequently Asked Questions

Something you want to know about GreenRenter™? Take a look below at the answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Still wondering? Contact us - we're happy to provide more information.

Why aren't the buildings rated?

The short answer is: we're working on it. Each buildings is one-of-a-kind. So measuring them all by the same stick is a, well, sticky process. Once we launch this feature we'll be looking for your feedback. What to know when it's live? Sign up to receive our news.

Why are all the buildings in Portland, Oregon?

Because it's the best city in the world! OK, we're partial to Portland because it's our home town. But GreenRenter™ is focused on Portland because we're still working out the kinks, refining the site and improving functionality. Once we've got our concept down we'll expand to other U.S. cities.

Want to help us grow? Tell us who you are and where you live and when we launch your city we'll get in touch.

Does a building need to be LEED certified to be listed here?

GreenRenter is very inclusive when it comes to "greenness." We want to showcase the efforts of all owners who are trying to improve the sustainability of their properties, regardless of whether they've sought out certification or awards.

As long as the building includes at least one feature in any of the seven "green" areas (energy, water, bulding materials, operations, building surroundings, certifications and awards, other innovative green features) it can be listed with GreenRenter.

Is my building green enough for GreenRenter?

GreenRenter is very inclusive when it comes to "greenness." We want to showcase the efforts of all owners who are trying to improve the sustainability of their properties, regardless of whether they've sought out certification or awards.

As long as the building includes at least one feature in any of these seven "green" areas (energy, water, building materials, operations, building surroundings, certifications and awards, other innovative green features) it can be listed with GreenRenter.

How do you decide which properties to include?

Well, eventually we won't. Property owners and managers will submit their buildings on their own, and as long as it includes at least one feature in any of these seven "green" areas (energy, water, building materials, operations, building surroundings, certifications and awards, other innovative green features) it can be listed with GreenRenter.

For now, however, the GreenRenter editors have been identifying green buildings in the Portland area and gathering the information from online sources and interviews with the property managers. How did we find the properties you see here? The U.S. Green Building Council's list of LEED certified and registered properties, the U.S. EPA's list of Energy Star rated properties, and web searches for terms like "green building" and "sustainable architecture."

Is there a great green building we're missing? Let us know!

What makes a building green?

We believe that "greenness" or sustainability is a whole-building affair. We've identified seven areas in which properties can have green features. As long as a building includes at least one feature in any of these areas it can be listed with GreenRenter.

The areas are:

  1. Energy
  2. Water
  3. Building materials
  4. Operations
  5. Building surroundings (landscaping and services)
  6. Certifications and awards
  7. Other innovative green features
I'm selling a green property - can I put it on GreenRenter™?

No, but we're working on a site just for green property sales. Want more info? Contact us!

How long will it take to enter my property?

Less than 15 minutes. You can do it yourself, by filling out an online survey, or over the phone with one of our representatives.

I already list my properties online - why do I need GreenRenter?

GreenRenter doesn't replace your existing online listings - it enhances them. Renters looking for properties that are environmentally responsible are a fast-growing group - GreenRenter brings them to you. There's no need to re-enter all the details about your available space, just provide links to your active listings.

I don't own or manage any green properties - so GreenRenter can't help me.

Just because you manage or own older buildings doesn't mean your property isn't green; Environmental responsibility has many aspects.

Have you upgraded insulation or windows? Replaced incandescent bulbs with CFLs? Installed new appliances or light fixtures? Put in a drip irrigation system or bike racks?

All these make your property more environmentally responsible and appealing to a growing group of potential tenants - today's green renters. GreenRenter helps you get the most out of the upgrades you've already made.

My property is already rented – why should I enter it in your list?

GreenRenter aims to show the total inventory of green rental property, not just active listings. This will help grow the market for green buildings. And, since you only enter the details about your property once, it makes sense to do it now so potential tenants can see information on all your buildings. 

I’m an owner or leasing broker - what does GreenRenter offer me?

GreenRenter is a free service that helps you differentiate your property from the masses and bring it to the attention of potential tenants looking to rent green. As a member of GreenRenter, you're in good company - potential tenants will identify you as a leader in the sustainable building industry.

What does GreenRenter do with my contact information?

GreenRenter respects your privacy. We will not sell or trade your personal information.

Why don't you rate the buildings according to how green they are?

We believe that "greenness" or sustainability is a whole-building affair and one that is as unique as each individual building. Unlike LEED and Energy Star, we don't rank buildings. These rankings serve a good purpose by allowing users to compare buildings to one another. However, we want to view each building on its own terms. We do allow you to make comments about a building - so if there are particular green features you want to call out, please do so!

How did you decide which green features to include on the survey?

We developed the survey of green features based on our knowledge of leading green building standards, including LEED and Energy Star. In doing so we aimed for a middle ground - enough detail to give potential tenants a clear understanding of what the property offers but not so much detail that both owner and renter become overwhelmed. The section "Other Innovative Green Features" gives owners the opportunity to describe green features not included in our form. Have a green feature you think should be added to the survey? Let us know!

What is GreenRenter™?

GreenRenter™ is the only online directory of "green" or environmentally conscious commercial and residential rental property. GreenRenter™ helps potential tenants find properties that meet their environmental requirements. Entering your property is fast and free, just tell us a little about the building and its green features.