As apartment managers, we have the opportunity to speak with our residents and provide them with information relating to conserving energy in their home. Residents can often mistakenly assume that there is nothing they can personally do to conserve energy in their home, since they do not own the apartment or the building. We have…
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9 ways sustainability drives profit
Some interesting points in this article on GreenBiz: “Today most executives recognize that sustainability must be integrated into their organization’s core strategy — not to say that they necessarily understand why….” Read More
Average number of televisions in U.S. homes declining
A division of the US Dept of Energy recently posted an article citing a decline in the number of televisions per household. “Results from the U.S Energy Information Administration’s most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) show that an average of 2.3 televisions were used in American homes in 2015, down from an average of…
Get Your Energy Data Here
Are you interested in getting free energy data? The U.S. government produces a wealth of information on energy pricing that you can use for budgeting and projections for your portfolio. The U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA), part of the Department of Energy, provides independent statistics and analysis which is used by numerous professionals in…
Beyond Low Flow
Reducing water consumption is double barreled since it is the basis for sewer cost as well. The cheapest and easiest reduction measure is low flow aerators in bath and kitchen faucets and low flow showerheads. Checking toilets for leaks with a dye test every 6 months or when you change air filters or complete a…
INFOGRAPHIC: Understanding the Grid
Learn more about the basics of saving energy through a cool infographic from the US Dept of Energy (high resolution versions available for download on their site): “Ever since Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla battled it out during the War of the Currents in the late 19th century, electricity has been a central part of life in America. We…
Savings Project: Lower Water Heating Temperature
Here is an interesting article from the US Dept of Energy: “Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them to be set at 120ºF, which also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding….” Read More
What is a “Green Lease”?
Have you heard of a “green lease”? A green lease is just like a regular apartment lease, but it outlines specific terms that residents and landlords must adhere to surrounding the community’s sustainability policies. Green leases are now included in top multifamily industry trends. The article below shows green leases within their Top 5…
Benchmarking Requirements and ENERGY STAR®
Are you up to date on the mandatory energy benchmarking rules? Many cities around the country are requiring multifamily properties to report their utility usage for benchmarking purposes and many more cities are expected to follow suit. EPA created ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, an online tool to measure and track energy and water consumption,…
Water Billing Issues in Atlanta GA
DeKalb County GA, Division of Watershed Management has been undercharging customers for water and sewer. Some owner/managers have received large bills, including back charges. If you have properties in served by this utility, watch your utility bills closely for back charges or long periods of estimations. The links below provide some history and a recent…