Rehabilitation Outperforms New Construction on Every Environmental Dimension
New construction carries a significant embodied carbon burden — from the production and transportation of building materials to the demolition of existing structures. In many cases, restoring an existing building is the most environmentally responsible way to increase functional housing supply.
Four Pillars of Environmental Modernization
CIG integrates a consistent set of efficiency upgrades across eligible properties — addressing aging infrastructure at its root rather than applying surface-level improvements.
Aquamiser flush systems, high-efficiency aerators, and low-flow showerheads significantly reduce per-unit water consumption, lowering utility costs for residents and operators alike.
High-efficiency boiler replacements deliver 20–30% energy reductions. LED lighting retrofits and comprehensive weatherization programs reduce consumption across common areas and individual units.
Rooftop solar installations on eligible flat-roof properties offset common area electricity consumption — reducing operating expenses while contributing to grid decarbonization.
Where feasible, on-site natural gas to electricity and thermal energy conversion enhances building resilience and reduces reliance on grid power during peak demand periods.
Environmental Gains That Align With Financial Performance
CIG’s environmental program is not a cost center — it is a value driver. Infrastructure modernization reduces operating expenses, directly improving net operating income and long-term asset performance while delivering measurable environmental benefits.
Our IRIS+ Environmental Metrics
Area of buildings (sq ft) receiving energy-efficiency improvements. Measured at project completion for each capital program; reported as cumulative portfolio sq ft annually.
Reduction in energy consumption achieved through efficiency initiatives (kWh). Calculated as baseline pre-renovation consumption minus post-renovation consumption, per asset, using utility billing data. Estimated reductions reported as available; actuals updated as 12-month post-renovation data is collected.
Volume of water usage reduced through conservation efforts (gallons). Measured using pre- and post-installation water utility data at each property receiving conservation upgrades.
Formal strategy to reduce GHG emissions: YES. CIG maintains a documented, CEO-signed GHG strategy implemented across 100% of portfolio assets. See full strategy statement below.
Formal strategy to address climate change effects on operations: YES. CIG incorporates climate risk screening into acquisition underwriting. See full strategy statement below.
CIG’s acquisition criteria incorporate climate risk screening at the market level. We evaluate insurance cost trends, extreme weather exposure, and long-term demand stability for every target market before committing capital. Markets with elevated and rising insurance costs — such as certain Florida submarkets — are deprioritized. Geographic concentration limits further reduce climate risk across the portfolio.
CIG implements a systematic energy efficiency program across 100% of portfolio assets. Every acquisition includes a CapEx plan targeting at least one energy efficiency upgrade within 24 months. High-efficiency boiler replacements, LED lighting, and rooftop solar installations directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the property level. This strategy is formally documented and signed by CIG’s Chief Executive Officer.
Institutional Reporting & Transparency
CIG tracks environmental modernization outcomes as part of its institutional-grade reporting framework. Capital improvement programs are documented alongside operational and financial performance metrics, enabling ESG-focused investors and impact allocators to assess environmental progress alongside financial returns.
CIG tracks environmental improvement metrics across each capital program — including energy consumption reductions, water conservation volumes, and solar offset percentages — in a format compatible with IRIS+ reporting frameworks. We are actively developing a portfolio-level carbon intensity baseline to support formal ESG reporting as the portfolio scales.
CIG is actively building relationships with mission-aligned capital partners. We engage with ESG-mandated institutional investors, impact funds, and philanthropic organizations to structure reporting that aligns with their specific mandate requirements — including GRESB, IRIS+, or custom frameworks. If our strategy aligns with your mandate, we welcome a direct conversation.
