Expand your energy knowledge through the US Dept of Energy’s series highlighting “Top Things You Didn’t Know.” Coming in at the top of the list for Electric Vehicles: “Did you know that the average American’s daily round-trip commute is less than 30 miles? With many electric vehicles having a range of more than 70 miles a charge, they…
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Submetering: A Proven Conservation Measure
If your property currently includes water and sewer in the rent or uses a flat-fee billing, one of the best conservations measures available is to implement either a RUBS or submeter billing program. Studies and experience has shown that residents will conserve water when presented with an individual bill. You can expect savings of 15-30%…
When Your Solar Needs a Net: Solar Net Metering
People often wonder if it’s possible to put a solar panel on a property that actually makes the energy meter “spin backwards” and make money on a solar system. Some states let you do this and some do not. The hyperlink below is to a website that I found recently giving you the “where and…
How to Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings
Here is an interesting article from the US Dept of Energy that is targeted at single family home owners, but much of it applies to multi-family housing as well: “You can lower your water heating costs by using and wasting less hot water in your home. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install…
Understanding New Markets
What do you do when your company decides to enter a new market? Depending on the market, you may start by panicking. Once you regain your composure, it’s time to get to work. Gathering data on local billing regulations is a must. If you are buying existing assets, you can’t assume the previous owner was…
LEED Certification in Multifamily – Does it matter?
For commercial buildings, studies have shown that LEED buildings have lower operating costs and better air quality than non-LEED certified buildings. For multifamily properties, the LEED certification process is a new trend and seems to be driven by market conditions or client demand. Millenials make up a huge part of the apartment industry and are…
Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Energy Audits
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): this one is about on-site energy audits. Read More
Benchmarking Water Bills – Are water saving retro fits worth the cash out lay when residents pay the bill?
Benchmarking your average water bills to other communities in your zip code area is an excellent way to determine your competitiveness. Resident retention can be directly tied to many metrics at a community and the price of water per month is definitely at the top of the list in many markets. Quantifying a retrofit program…
Benchmarking using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
The following articles from the Journal of Utility Management magazine were mentioned at a session hosted by the Utility Management Advisory at the Real World 2016 conference. Whether you attended the conference or not, you may find these articles useful for learning more about benchmarking and EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®. “New multifamily score…
Engaging Residents for Green Living
Resident behavior greatly affects the overall environmental impact of your property. If you are trying to promote initiatives at your property, educating residents is a critical part of the program. Whether you begin to educate potential residents on the property tour or wait until the lease is signed, it is important to start educating early….