Investing in Climate‑Resilient Landscaping: The Hidden Cost Savings for Commercial Properties

Commercial property managers, developers, and landlords can’t ignore the fact that climate change is a growing problem that can have serious impacts on the real and perceived value of their properties. What they may not know is that by adapting their landscapes for climate resilience, they can dramatically reduce utility bills, prevent infrastructure damage, and attract both tenants and investors.

At Strathmore, we call this approach ‘climate‑resilient landscaping’. It’s a strategy that goes beyond just adding curb appeal, ensuring a true partnership approach to deliver real ROI for our customers .

Why Climate‑Resilient Landscaping Matters Now

Commercial properties across Canada are experiencing more extreme weather, and the data is compelling:

• Canada’s average temperatures have risen 1.9 °C since 1948, nearly double the global average.

• Days over 30 °C in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Calgary could double or triple by 2050.

• Flash flooding has increased by over 80 percent in the past 20 years.Flooding is the most common and costly disaster in Canada. In the past decade, floods have averaged nearly $800 million in insured losses annually. 

• Municipal water costs are climbing 6–10 percent yearly.

• In regions like Ontario and Alberta, commercial electricity rates have surged by 15–30 percent in the last five years.

Properties that embrace sustainable landscaping, including strategies like green infrastructure, bioswales, and xeriscaping, will be far better equipped to manage rising energy and water costs while reducing risk.

What is Climate‑Resilient Landscaping?

It is far more than planting trees. It is a deliberate design strategy that delivers energy efficiency, water conservation, and resilient performance through:

• Native or drought-tolerant plant choices (e.g., xeriscaping techniques)

• Rain gardens, permeable paving, and stormwater management systems

• Soil improvement and erosion control

• Advanced smart irrigation systems

• Strategic shade trees, hedges, and green roofs for passive heating and cooling

• Sustainable maintenance that results in less mowing, fewer chemicals, and lower fuel use

Strathmore’s strategic commercial landscaping approach supports carbon sequestration while delivering ongoing operational benefits.

Measurable Savings that Boost ROI

Here are some of the ways that Strathmore supports customers with climate-resilient landscaping for their commercial properties: 

1. Water Reduction

Using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation cuts water use by between 30 and 50 percent, leading to substantial annual savings.

2. Lower Maintenance Costs

Healthier, heat-resilient landscapes mean fewer visits, less mowing, and reduced pesticide use that help drive down operating expenses.

3. Fewer Plant Replacements

By selecting plants suited to local climate conditions, you avoid the cost and risk of replacing plants after heatwaves, cold snaps, or storms.

4. Energy‑Efficient Landscaping

-Shade from strategically-placed trees can reduce cooling demand by up to 25 percent.

-Green roofs can drop rooftop temperatures by 30–40 °C while insulating buildings in winter.

-Overall energy savings of these tactics can range from $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft per year.

5. Stormwater Fee Reductions

In cities like Toronto and Ottawa, green infrastructure such as bioswales or rain gardens can qualify for rebates or reduced fees. Sustainable landscaping strategies can also help with LEED certification and carbon credits. 

Long-Term and Indirect Benefits

It’s not just the immediate savings, there are long-term benefits to adopting climate-resilient commercial landscaping strategies on your commercial property. 

Reduced Infrastructure Damage

Flood-mitigating landscape features protect buildings, walkways, and underground structures that reduce long-term repair and insurance costs.

Stronger Tenant Retention

Green, climate-smart outdoor spaces support tenant wellness and satisfaction that helps retain occupants and maintain lease rates.

Better Marketability

Properties with certified sustainable landscaping and climate resilience appeal to ESG-conscious investors and tenants.

Certification and Compliance

Landscape designs aligned with green building certifications like LEED, BOMA BEST, or WELL add value and streamline ESG reporting.

Why Strathmore is the Right Partner

Strathmore delivers commercial landscaping ROI through expertly planned, climate‑resilient landscapes. We bring:

• Experience with native plant and sustainable landscaping strategies

• Proven smart irrigation and stormwater management systems

• Comprehensive cost modeling and performance monitoring

• Deep knowledge of municipal incentives, ESG certification, and compliance

Whether you're upgrading current sites or planning new ones, we’ll help you build landscapes that perform, protect assets, and reduce operating costs.

Take the Next Step

Curious about what climate‑resilient landscaping can deliver for your property? Try our Climate Resilient ROI Calculator for a quick savings estimate, or book a consultation with our experts.

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