Multifamily builders consistently shape their industry and improve their standards, especially since the pandemic. For Arkansas-based Specialized Real Estate Group, this means making strides in a different area—improving indoor air quality. As someone who struggled with childhood asthma, their CEO has since established top-notch air quality as part of the company’s mission. That passion for air quality, among other things, has had a ripple effect throughout the business. 

The mission

Specialized Real Estate Group focuses on reconnecting neighborhoods and the people who live there to promote both individual and community wellness. The developer believes disconnected development patterns aggravate the health problems that plague the country, so they focus on walkable neighborhoods with a unique sense of belonging. 

The company operates on four guiding principles: 

• Building better: As LEED-certified builders, they emphasize beauty, efficiency, and the health of every occupant.
• Moving together: They’re committed to improving and expanding pedestrian and bike pathways to encourage health and connection.
• Embracing nature: They focus on low-impact construction and thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Sharing food: They integrate community gardens, coffee shops, and restaurants to bring people and basic needs together. 

To them, building healthier communities starts with a commitment to protecting air quality. 

The actions that boost indoor air quality

Specialized Real Estate Group focuses on these critical practices to implement its plan for increased air quality.

1. Non-toxic building materials, including non-toxic interior paint

Materials that minimize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used for new construction, and low or no-VOC caulks and adhesives are used for repairs. Indoor paints containing VOCs pose a serious health risk to people and pets, causing eye, nose, and throat irritation—that’s why SREG chooses to avoid them.

2. Full-service air filter replacement and promoting non-smoking communities

Smoking is not permitted indoors at any of SREG’s properties, and some locations also prohibit smoking outdoors. Air filters are also changed quarterly to reduce harmful airborne particles and irritants. 

3. Non-toxic cleaning solutions and gentle pest management

When cleaning or managing pests, the most gentle and natural products are used when possible. If harsh chemicals are required, the cleaning teams take all necessary precautions to prevent it from impacting the area’s air quality. 

4. Fresh air ventilation and hard surface floors

Hard surface floors minimize the accumulation of dust, moisture, and airborne allergens. In newer communities, fresh air ventilation systems include sensor-controlled bathroom exhaust fans, more windows, and ducted kitchen exhaust.

Promoting nature, community, and wellness are common commitments from multifamily community developers, but Specialized Real Estate Group takes it a step further by fostering elevated air quality. While it may seem like a small practice to some, wellness benefits go a long way. 

Specialized Real Estate Group has been the recipient of several noteworthy awards, including:

• Finalist, Urban Land Institute Global Awards for Excellence
• ENERGY STAR – 2014, 2015 and 2016
• Green Builder Magazine Green Home of the Year Award – Best Community Project
• American Institute of Architects Arkansas Chapter Merit Award
• US Green Building Council – Arkansas Most Outstanding Residential Project
• Illinois River Watershed Partnership Golden Paddle Award for Construction
• Fayetteville Construction and Developers Sustainability Award
• National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat

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