As the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector grows, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards has become essential. According to the British Property Federation, ESG not only enhances property value and tenant satisfaction but also provides developers with a blueprint for responsible, community-oriented projects.
With over 20 years of experience, including over five years of extensive work in the BTR industry, InStyle Direct is committed to helping developers integrate ESG principles into their properties. We deliver furnishing solutions that are sustainable, attractive, and tenant-centered. This guide explores how ESG priorities can enhance your BTR projects as a developer and support your goals.
Using ESG to Elevate Your BTR Project
At InStyle Direct, we place ESG at the heart of every BTR project. By embedding sustainability from the outset, developers can appeal to increasingly eco-conscious tenants while boosting property value. For instance, a survey by Urbanbubble found that 82% of tenants prefer environmentally friendly living spaces. Our commitment is demonstrated through ambitious goals, such as achieving 100% recycled packaging by 2025 and targeting carbon neutrality by 2035.
The British Property Federation highlights a growing emphasis on responsible investment that does not sacrifice revenue. Investors now seek assurance that their contributions toward housing positively impact environmental and social outcomes while also providing financial returns.
ESG in Practice: Projects that Deliver Results
In Phase 1 – Sugar House Island, InStyle’s approach to this heritage warehouse property showcases how sustainability and thoughtful design can coexist. By preserving historic features while incorporating sustainable materials, we attracted tenants and secured ongoing phases. This exemplifies how ESG alignment can generate demand and establish long-term project success.
In Phase 2 – Soapbox, furnishing hundreds of units and show homes with a cohesive aesthetic helped boost occupancy and tenant engagement. This demonstrates how ESG and brand-aligned design can elevate tenant experience and enhance retention.
An overview of our work for Vastint can be viewed here.
At Wallbrook Gardens, collaborating with Carter Jonas, InStyle furnished 80 units focusing on high-quality, cost-effective interiors tailored for young professionals. By leveraging local sourcing, we reduced costs and minimised environmental impact. This project highlights how aligning budget and ESG goals can ensure clients meet both financial and sustainability objectives. It illustrates how strategic planning and sustainable sourcing contribute to creating valuable, ESG-aligned BTR properties.
An overview of our work for Wallbrook Gardens can be viewed here.
Quality Sourcing and Tailored Aftercare for Developer Success
Our approach to sourcing is ESG-driven, ensuring materials meet rigorous standards for durability and ethics. This helps developers reduce waste and enhance value. With a robust aftercare system that includes real-time asset tracking and barcoding, we offer developers efficient replacements and long-term management support. By maintaining the quality and sustainability of interiors, developers can provide tenants with lasting appeal, supporting both tenant satisfaction and brand reputation.
Additional BTR Services: A Comprehensive Developer Resource
Beyond quality sourcing and aftercare, InStyle’s BTR services encompass essential areas of expertise for developers, including rental sector specialists and experienced BTR professionals. These offerings enable targeted tenant design solutions, effective project management, and logistics support, all backed by in-depth market research and demographic insights. According to Savills, understanding tenant demographics and preferences is crucial for maximising occupancy and returns. By integrating these elements with ESG-focused practices, developers gain a well-rounded approach to building and managing appealing, high-performing rental properties. Future posts in this series will explore each of these service areas in depth, providing actionable strategies for developers aiming to strengthen their BTR projects.
Building Communities with ESG in Mind
Our ESG commitment extends beyond individual units to support community development within BTR properties. Creating connected, tenant-centered spaces enhances tenant retention and occupancy rates—essential metrics for BTR developers. For example, SEC Newgate reports that community-focused amenities can increase tenant satisfaction by up to 30%. Our work at Sugar House Island and Wallbrook Gardens illustrates how community-centred design not only supports tenant well-being but also creates lasting value for developers by fostering a strong sense of belonging and satisfaction.
Empowering Developers to Build Responsible, Desirable Properties
Through this series, we will explore each aspect of InStyle Direct’s ESG-aligned BTR model, providing developers with a clear path to creating spaces that are sustainable, tenant-friendly, and profitable. From sourcing and aftercare to community-focused design, our approach shows that ESG values can elevate BTR developments, meeting both tenant needs and environmental goals. As highlighted by the British Property Federation, integrating ESG principles is key to future-proofing investments and meeting the demands of modern tenants. For developers and investors, these insights provide a roadmap for building rental properties that are as responsible as they are attractive.
