Sustainable Apartment Living in California

Los Olivos at Irvine Spectrum

Since 1864, environmental stewardship has been a guiding principle for Irvine Company. This commitment to sustainability spreads across every division within the company, including its beautiful apartment communities based in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Northern California.

A team of in-house conservation experts takes tremendous pride in thoughtfully planning and managing the environmental impacts of the communities through a multifaceted effort that includes water and energy conservation, green waste recycling, eco-friendly amenities, and efficient landscape planning and maintenance.

Santa Clara SquareEV Charging Stations

Charging stations are available in many communities to accommodate those who drive electric cars, with BTC Level 2 chargers that charge a car entirely in about 8 hours. With a strong commitment to the environment, Irvine Company is researching future electric vehicle demand, to accommodate all residents. This progressive, forward-thinking technology not only pushes boundaries but dramatically enhances the lifestyles of the residents.

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EV Charging Stations at Irvine Company ApartmentsNest Thermostats Heating & Cooling

That dreaded summer electricity bill? Yes, Irvine Company Apartment Communities has thought of that too. Over 24,000 Nest thermostats have been Installed, resulting in an average $2.9M savings for residents.*

Source, Irvine Company

Nest Thermostat, Irvine Company ApartmentsLandscaping & Irrigation

Thoughtfully selected vegetation is used throughout communities to improve air quality and elevate the living experience for all residents. One of the primary ways the landscaping efforts keep sustainability and conservancy top of mind is through the use of water-wise practices and modifications.

Currently, 66% of the total irrigation controllers use a smart water management program with weather-sensing technology that responds to the weather conditions by distributing the right amount of water that plants need, resulting in water savings. Moreover, within the Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) 99% of communities use recycled water.

Crescent Village, San JoseTree Conservation

Before new development begins, Irvine Company aims to preserve the existing environment, including the protection of large and mature specimen trees, with 90,000 trees living across the portfolio.

Villas Fashion Island, TreeAt Villas Fashion Island in Newport Beach, CA, one large specimen ficus tree and several palm trees that were living on the site were preserved. The specimen ficus tree now welcomes residents at the grand entrance.

Irvine Company Apartment Communities also developed an in-house tree management and inventory system (ATMS: Apartments Tree Management System) that in addition to allowing us to manage our most valuable living assets of over 90,000 trees, will show the eco-benefits for trees on each property. The Database will utilize the i-tree algorithm, a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite that provides urban forestry analysis and benefit assessment tools sponsored by the USDA Forest Service. This information can show Co2 sequestered, oxygen produced, air pollutants saved, and water retained at each ICAC community.

Santa Clara Square
At Santa Clara Square several redwoods and olive trees were carefully preserved. In this image, you can see the team in the process of relocating a large olive tree.

Food Waste Recycling Program

Irvine Company also supports the statewide food composting initiatives in an effort to reduce methane emissions, by providing organic waste collection bins in our community. This initiative will help fight climate change and support healthy soil for farmlands.

150 Years of Sustainable Commitment 

More than 150 years after its founding, Irvine Company’s commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever. Initiatives range from the small – installing high-efficiency plumbing and “smart” irrigation controllers at apartment communities, for example – to the grand, such as preserving more than 60% of the entire Irvine Ranch as permanent open space. Irvine Company continually searches for new ways to balance community needs with those of the environment throughout its portfolio of apartment, office, retail, homes, and resort holdings in California.