A Philadelphia-based multifamily property management firm recently converted hundreds of units in the area into earth-friendly apartments.

The firm is also extending its energy efficiency project into New Jersey, Delaware and Florida, to incorporate renewable materials, energy efficiency and water conservation efforts to reduce the company's carbon footprint.

"The KindSpace program has greatly outperformed our projections," said John Korman, CEO of Korman Residential. "Customer demand for sustainable, earth-friendly apartments is growing stronger every day."

KindSpace apartments save more than 4,000 gallons of water annually, the paint used in the apartments contains no volatile organic compounds, which reduces smog, and the tiles, counters, carpets and stainless steel backsplashes in its units are also products of recycled material.

According to industry expert Kate Good, renters are now making their decision on an apartment based on the their commitment to green energy sources.

Other institutions in the area are also converting to green energy, including the University of Pennsylvania, which recently topped the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's list of green power champions among schools around the country.