At ecofi, we help property owners across the country reduce utility costs and increase Net Operating Income through water and energy conservation. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about our services, process, and impact.

General Information

What does ecofi do?

We operate as the real estate’s sustainability department. Since 2012, ecofi has helped property owners increase Net Operating Income (NOI) by reducing water and energy utility expenses. We are a vertically integrated partner, meaning we handle the entire lifecycle of a project, from consulting and design to implementation and reporting, removing the friction of managing multiple vendors.

What states do you work in?

We work nationwide, but we’ve built deep expertise in key markets like Florida, Texas, and Colorado. Over the years, we’ve completed projects at more than 500 properties across 150+ cities in 30 states. Every region has different rebate programs and compliance rules, and our team knows how to navigate them for the best return.

How is ecofi different from other sustainability vendors?

Most companies are either consultants who advise or contractors who install. Ecofi is both. Our vertical integration allows us to design solutions that are practical to implement and financially viable. We act as a single point of contact nationwide, ensuring that the strategies we recommend are executed precisely to meet your financial and sustainability goals.

Is ecofi a certified B Corporation?

Yes. We are a certified B Corporation, committed to proving that sustainability is good for business. We balance profit with purpose, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental impact. This certification means we’re independently verified to consider the impact of our decisions on our clients, communities, and the environment, not just our bottom line.

Services & Expertise

Can you tell me where the best opportunities are?

Yes. We specialize in portfolio reviews and due diligence to identify the assets with the highest potential for ROI. Byanalyzing your utility data, we can pinpoint properties with high consumption, older fixtures, or those located in regions with aggressive rebate programs (like Tampa) or compliance mandates (like Denver’s performance standards).

What specific services do you offer?

We offer high and low-tech solutions tailored to your portfolio’s needs. Our core services include water efficiency (plumbing fixture upgrades and smart irrigation controls), energy efficiency (LED lighting retrofits, smart exterior lighting controls, EV charging stations, and solar implementation), consulting and strategy (property assessments, utility analysis, portfolio reviews, and due diligence support), and compliance assistance.

Can you assist with regulatory compliance?

Absolutely. We help partners stay ahead of local and state regulations without the headache. That includes Building Performance Standards like Energize Denver, Colorado’s HB 1090 for utility billing, and Florida’s HB 837 lighting requirements that help reduce liability. We keep up with the changing rules so you don’t have to, making sure your properties stay compliant and you avoid any unnecessary fines.

The Process

What do you need from me to get started?

Getting started is simple. We recommend scheduling a complimentary introductory call or portfolio review to discuss your goals. From there, we typically only need basic property details like the property name, address, and unit mix to begin our assessment. We’ll take it from there and handle the heavy lifting. Our team makes the process as seamless as possible so you can focus on running your properties.

What do you need to do your analysis?

To perform a comprehensive utility analysis or benchmarking report, we need your historical utility data. By reviewing your water and energy bills or ledgers, we can calculate your current consumption, identify inefficiencies, and project accurate savings and ROI for potential upgrades. Most property managers already have this information on hand. We’ll walk you through exactly what we need to make the analysis as accurate as possible.

How do we get started?

The process typically begins with a complimentary portfolio review or an introductory call. We analyze your utility data to identify the highest-impact opportunities for water and energy conservation. You can schedule an introductory meeting here. There’s no obligation, and you’ll walk away with actionable insights regardless of whether you move forward. We believe in showing value upfront.

Can you support us during the acquisition/due diligence phase?

Yes. We specialize in helping potential buyers bake rebates and tax credits into their underwriting. We provide utility analysis and property assessments during due diligence to identify immediate value-add opportunities before you even close on the asset. This allows you to hit the ground running with a clear roadmap for increasing NOI. Many of our clients have used our findings to negotiate better purchase terms or validate their investment thesis.

Financial Impact & ROI

What kind of financial results can I expect?

Our partners typically achieve 30%+ savings on their utility bills immediately following implementation. To date, we have saved our partners over $100 million in utility costs, which has contributed to an estimated $500 million increase in asset value. These savings flow directly to your bottom line, increasing Net Operating Income and property valuation. Most projects pay for themselves within a few years through reduced utility expenses alone.

Do you help secure rebates and incentives?

Yes. We specialize in identifying and securing local, state, and federal rebates to offset project costs. In specific markets, such as Tampa, we can leverage rebate programs to structure projects that require little to no out-of-pocket capital from ownership. We handle all the paperwork and coordination with utility companies, making the rebate process seamless for you. Our team stays current on available incentives to maximize your return on every project.

Do you offer financing options?

For qualified owners who prefer not to make an upfront capital investment, we offer shared savings plans. This allows you to finance improvements through the utility savings generated by the project. Essentially, the property pays for itself while you start seeing reduced utility bills from day one. We work with you to structure a plan that fits your financial goals and cash flow preferences.

Operational & Vendor Compliance

How long have you been in business?

Ecofi was founded in 2012. Over the last decade, we have serviced over 500 properties across 150+ cities, building a reputation as a real estate sustainability department. Our experience spans every property type and market condition, giving us the insights to deliver solutions that work in the real world. We’ve built lasting relationships with our clients, many of whom trust us with their entire portfolio year after year.

Are you registered with vendor compliance platforms?

Yes. We are fully licensed and insured, and we are registered with most major vendor compliance platforms, including RealPage and VendorCafe. This ensures a seamless onboarding process for our partners. We understand that compliance is critical in property management, so we’ve made it easy for you to bring us on board without any administrative headaches. Our team is also happy to register with any additional platforms your organization uses.

What kind of insurance do you carry?

We carry robust insurance coverage to protect our partners and their assets, including a $6 million umbrella policy. This comprehensive coverage gives you peace of mind knowing that your properties and residents are fully protected during every phase of our work. We can provide certificates of insurance upon request and meet all standard requirements for working on commercial properties.

Project Scope & Products

Do you only do conservation and efficiency projects?

No. While water and energy conservation are core to our mission, we also specialize in risk mitigation and aesthetic upgrades. We design and implement safety lighting projects—crucial for compliance with statutes like Florida’s HB 837—to reduce on-premises liability risks. Additionally, we perform exterior and common area upgrades that improve a property’s curb appeal and resident experience.

What products do you use?

We offer high and low-tech solutions tailored to your specific goals and budget. While we partner with reputable, top-tier vendors to ensure quality, we are vendor-agnostic. This allows us to source any specific fixture or product required to meet your portfolio’s design standards or replacement needs.