Eco-Friendly Home Features Buyers Want in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Brooklyn buyers are savvy, increasingly sustainability-minded and they’re paying attention to more than just square footage and amenities. Features like renewable energy options, LEED-certified buildings, ENERGY STAR appliances and other green-focused upgrades are moving from nice-to-have to highly desirable for many prospective owners in Park Slope and throughout Brooklyn.

A March 2024 National Association of Realtors® survey highlights this shift:

• 57% of agents said that promoting energy efficiency in listings was valuable
• Nearly half of them found that their clients were at least somewhat interested in sustainability
• And 62% were directly involved with a property with environmentally conscious features in the past 12 months either on the buyer or seller side

For Brooklyn sellers, that means sustainable features aren’t just good for the planet, but they can help your property stand out it in a competitive market while reducing utility costs for the next owner. Whether you live in a freestanding townhouse, a condo with roof rights or a co-op with more restrictions, there are steps at every level that can emphasize your home’s eco potential.

Co-ops & Local Laws

For co-ops, sustainable upgrades can be more challenging. Features like split-duct AC systems or induction cooktops often require upgraded electrical service, which can be costly or even unfeasible in older buildings. On top of that, decisions about materials, appliances or energy improvements are usually made at the board level, not by individual shareholders.

That said, Brooklyn co-ops are increasingly influenced by New York City’s sustainability laws, which are pushing boards to make building-wide improvements:

• Local Law 11 (Façade Safety Program): While focused on façade safety, many boards use these mandatory projects to replace windows and insulation with energy-efficient upgrades.
• Local Law 97 (Climate Mobilization Act): Applies to buildings over 25,000 sq ft (e.g., many Park Slope co-ops). Requires a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with steep fines for non-compliance.
• Local Laws 92 & 94 (Green Roof Requirements): New roofs and major replacements must include solar, a green roof or both.
• Local Law 33 (Energy Grades): Buildings must display energy efficiency grades (A – F) at their entrances, similar to restaurant health grades—something buyers notice immediately.
• Local Laws 84 & 87 (Benchmarking & Audits): Large buildings must track and report energy and water use annually and complete periodic energy audits with efficiency upgrades.

For buyers, this means a building’s compliance plan and recent upgrades can be just as important as an apartment’s finishes. For sellers, highlighting proactive sustainability measures not only boosts appeal but also reassures buyers about avoiding future assessments.

Energy-Efficiency

Making your Brooklyn condo, townhome or co-op more efficient is good for the planet and can also lower monthly utility bills and attract today’s house hunters. Upgrades might include:

• High-performance windows and improved insulation
• LED lights and smart bulbs
• Smart thermostats and climate-control systems
• Ceiling fans to reduce AC usage
• Efficient HVAC systems
• ENERGY STAR-certified appliances such as induction cooktops and combo washer-dryer units

Learn more at:

• Con Edison — incentives and rebates
• NYSERDA — free residential energy assessments
• EmPower+ — support for low- and moderate-income households
• ENERGY STAR — searchable database of certified products

Sustainable Materials

Choosing planet-friendly materials made from renewable or recycled sources can help conserve natural resources, promote energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. When remodeling, consider:

• Reclaimed or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood for floors and cabinets
• Recycled steel, glass or composite material for construction and finishes
• Bamboo or cork flooring, both are rapidly renewable options
• Sustainable countertops made from recycled glass, quartz or sustainable composites
• Non-toxic or low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and finishes

Learn more at:

• Healthy Materials Lab — Parsons School of Design research lab sharing guidance on toxic chemicals in building products
• FSC — information on responsibly sourced and certified wood products
• Cradle to Cradle — non-profit providing list of sustainably certified products and resources

Water Conservation

Fixing leaks and upgrading plumbing fixtures are some of the simplest and most cost-effective resource-saving projects for Brooklyn residences. A leaking toilet alone can waste up to 6,000 gallons of water and cost nearly $100 a day, according to NYC Environmental Protection. Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets helps reduce water use, lower costs and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.

Learn more at:

• NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) — Home Water Assistance program to help low-income homeowners manage water and sewer bills
• NYC 311 — building owners can request a water saving kit from the DEP
• NY State Office of General Services — guidance on low-flow showerheads
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense — national certification for toilets, faucets and showerheads that meet EPA standards

Renewable Energy

If you own a Brooklyn townhouse or condo with roof rights, you might be able to install solar panels, which can help lower your electric bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Even if solar isn’t an option for your building, NYC residents can participate in community solar programs that allow you to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and still enjoy energy savings.

Learn more:

• NY State Community Solar — overview of community solar projects with searchable database
• Sunset Park Solar — Brooklyn’s first community solar project

Green Living Extras

Not every low-impact update requires a huge investment. Simple changes can boost mood, improve indoor air quality and make your home more inviting. Incorporate indoor plants into your décor, start a container garden on your balcony or terrace (where permitted), or grow herbs in your kitchen. If you have access to a yard, rooftop or shared outdoor space, consider eco-conscious landscaping or a small home garden. And if your building offers a community garden, take advantage of it.

Smart Home Technology

Smart technology can make your daily life more convenient while cutting energy consumption and lowering utility cost, an attractive combination for Brooklyn residents. Many devices can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet, helping households track their usage in real time and even improve indoor air quality. Smart devices include door locks, plugs and power strips, bulbs, thermostats, cameras, coffee makers, and washers and dryers.

Location-Driven Efficiency

While you can’t change your address, proximity to public transportation will always be a major selling point in Park Slope and throughout Brooklyn. Buildings that offer bicycle storage or parking spaces with EV charging stations also appeal strongly to green-minded buyers. If your condo or co-op includes these amenities, be sure to highlight them when marketing your property.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking of renovating or selling your Brooklyn home, consider sustainable updates that can help boost your future return, lower utility costs for you (and the next owner) and make your listing stand out to today’s buyers, all while benefitting the planet. From simple fixes to bigger investments, there are steps for every homeowner, condo owner or co-op shareholder.

Looking for your next move? Check out or posts on how to prepare your home for sale and questions for first-time Brooklyn sellers.