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 Nikola Tesla: “On Energy.gov, we’re revisiting the storied rivalry between two of history’s most important energy-related inventors and engineers: Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla….” Read More
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The Future of Nuclear Power is Still Up for Grabs
You might not want to believe this but nuclear power is the United State’s largest source of clean carbon-free electricity. That’s why the nuclear industry was upset that the Supreme Court stayed the Clean Power Plan. They felt that nuclear power was going to be a larger part of the solution based on the carbon…
Top 6 Things You Didn’t Know About Solar Energy
Expand your energy knowledge through the US Dept of Energy’s series highlighting “Top Things You Didn’t Know.” Coming in at Number Six on the list for Solar Energy: “Solar energy is the most abundant energy resource on earth – 173,000 terawatts of solar energy strikes the Earth continuously….” Read More
Presenting our Two Sites for the Conversion to Net Zero
I am pleased to introduce my two buildings for our “Conversion to Net Zero” experience: Icon at Park and Icon at Doyle in Emeryville California. I chose these two sites for a few key reasons: These sites represent two different construction types: Icon at Doyle is 3-story construction with 27 townhome-style dwellings and an underground…
What is an Urban heat island?
As summer approaches, here’s a concept that impacts energy spent on cooling buildings. Have you heard of urban heat islands? I found a link to an intro on what they are and what can be done to mitigate them. This could be an important consideration if you have communities in the city center, especially if you…
Let’s explore Net Zero together
Hi. I’m Mary Nitschke. Let’s explore Net Zero together. I am honored and excited to explore converting two apartment buildings into Net Zero Energy Buildings. I feel incredibly lucky to get to do this. Most people don’t get the opportunity to take a building off the grid, let alone two. And I am fortunate enough…
Multifamily Property Landscaping – Friend or Foe?
As an environmental and sustainability enthusiast and operator of multifamily assets, you probably have a good pulse on efforts you can make at your communities to increase efficiency and make them more “green.” However, have you paid much attention lately to your landscaping company? Are they truly your partner in running the most efficient and…
Tips for saving energy with Thermostats
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 save money on your heating and cooling bills by simply resetting your thermostat when you are asleep or away from home. You can do…
Crossing Over with Grace: Managing Hot Water Systems
Most of us have properties with Domestic Hot Water Systems at our Communities. What most of us don’t consider is how much energy we lose (and money) when we have crossover between our hot and cold water lines. Spoiler alert: Crossover most commonly occurs when a shower cartridge fails and cold water contaminates your hot…
What’s All the Gas About?
As we are all aware, utilities continue to be a challenge from the purchasing of commodities in deregulated states to budgeting. Since gas prices have continued to fall, many of us are investigating future pricing as a way to ensure our low pricing into the future. It is very important through 2016 to compare your…