The tariffs proposed by the current administration could have an impact on the apartment industry. How? In energy cost increases. The tariffs will increase the cost of steel and aluminum used in pipelines and solar projects. This could impact the cost of energy. Also, if we have more plans here in the US using power…
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Here’s What Really Happens to All That Stuff You Recycle
Do you ever wonder if your righteous efforts at recycling really do any good? If so, perhaps this article will help: “If you’ve an avid recycler like myself, chances are you’ve wondered, as you stuffed all your bottles in the bin — what really happens to all this stuff? Maybe you’re curious about why some…
Whole Building Data is coming to California
I know that I sound like Chicken Little…screaming about the sky falling. However, Effective January 1, 2019, you are going to need to ensure that all your apartment properties in California are loaded into Portfolio Manager. There is a hyperlink to the bill below if you really like read legislature, but the gist is that…
Oil and the Multifamily Industry: Do they go together?
We have enjoyed fairly stable oil prices lately. But, is that something we can rely on in the future. Many say that will not be the case. Increased conflicts in the Middle East there could be destabilize the oil market. Also, there is some question whether US shale gas will continue to produce in the…
Women compose only 22% of the utility workforce
According to Utility Dive, “Women composed 22% of the utility workforce compared to 47% nationwide in other industries. This is all despite studies showing women benefit a company’s bottom line…” For inspiration and practical insight on how changes can be made, check out this article: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/women-power-utilities-industry/519877/
Stay up to date on Energy Markets
There are many commodities that fall under the “energy” umbrella, but natural gas and electricity are the two most applicable to multifamily. To stay up to date on the constantly fluctuating prices of Energy Markets, try bookmarking one or more of these websites: RealPage’s Energy Market Outlook: https://www.realpage.com/utility-management/outlook/ US Dept of Energy’s Short-Term Energy Outlook: https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/ Natural…
Walk Scores Explained
With some Internet Listing Services and property websites now including a community’s walk score, its important to understand just what this means and how it impacts the marketability of the community. There is even an app that potential renters can download that allows them to find apartments in their desired area based on walk score….
Return on Energy Awards Nominations OPEN NOW
Nominate a UMA member! The NAA Return on Energy (R.O.E.) Awards recognize apartment communities that have mastered the sustainability and energy reduction equation. The R.O.E. awards spotlight action and results in energy management beneficial to the apartment housing industry. The program is intended to educate industry professionals on how benchmarking information can be used to…
What “Green Features” actually matter to residents?
Our industry typically has a lot of discussion surrounding what type of “green features” residents want in their homes, and more specifically, how much they are willing to pay for these features. While the verdict may still somewhat be out on how much renters will actually pay for any given “green feature”, there are some…
Energy-efficient green buildings may emit hazardous chemicals
It’s worth being informed. Perhaps a drafty living space isn’t such a bad thing after all! Read more from Reuters article on energy-efficient buildings potentially releasing hazardous chemicals here.