More packages mean more garbage, especially in fast-growing cities where the bulk of waste is generated, putting pressure on multifamily owners and managers to deal with rising costs and environmental impacts. While programs like ENERGY STAR® include waste-tracking tools, there is no benchmark in place by which owners can compare waste management measures. During the…
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LED Lighting increases Asset Values
LED lighting can save you 60-80% on your lighting energy costs at a property. This will lead to higher NOI and can significantly increase the value of your asset. However, as this article points out, owners must effectively manage the process and may benefit from partnering with a professional LED installer. https://naahq.org/news-publications/units/january-2017/article/shedding-light-led-retrofits Professional LED installers…
Energy cannot be created or destroyed….but it can be wasted
The first law of Thermodynamics teaches us that energy cannot be created or destroyed. While this is true, it can be wasted. I am thinking specifically of the energy used to condition (heat or cool) a room. Everyone thinks, “Heat rises.” While heat can rise, it doesn’t have to. Heat is lazy. It is going…
How do I play this Sustainability game for my company?
ROI, NOI, increased property valuation, Leed Certification, Green Loans…..how do I find my way through this for the greatest impact for my company? Evaluate what type of company you are? Build and hold, entrepreneurial, flip? How long does your company plan to hold this property? Which properties pay the highest utility bills? Who pays the…
Show your Residents that you care with LED
Many owners only considering replacing their common area lighting with LED since the energy savings directly benefit their bottom line. However, owners can benefit in multiple other ways when they upgrade the lighting in their units to LED, as pointed out in this recent article. https://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/fact-fiction-led-lights-multifamily Residents will appreciate the improved lighting and the $10-15…
Smoke Free Housing – Is it worth the trouble?
As concerns over second hand smoke arise, many building owners have decided to put policies in place to make their communities smoke free. Many new developments are opening as smoke free communities, but it is possible to convert an existing smoking community to a smoke free community. In addition to eliminating concerns from residents over…
How much energy does it take to roast a turkey?
Have you ever consider how much energy is used (and maybe even wasted) on Thanksgiving Day? Check out this article so that you are fully prepared next week to fascinate (or at least pontificate to) your friends and family: “It takes about four hours to roast a 16 pound turkey, which means if you put…
Has this past winter caused you to have the blues?
With record breaking low temperatures this past year, it is important to prepare. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep warm without costing a fortune for next year: https://www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-expert/cold-weather-blues
Does it make a difference if just one person recycles?
Have you ever wondered if one person can really have an impact on the environment if they recycle? Many people tend to think that the actions of one individual do not have that much impact, and that recycling is only beneficial if everyone does it. Well, that is actually not the case. The actions of…
Microgrid for multifamily?
What the heck is a microgrid? Could your multifamily community benefit from one? According to Utility Dive, “Microgrids are an old concept, but recently they’ve garnered renewed interest within the power sector. For years, utilities have invested in centralized plants, building miles and miles of transmission lines to ship power where it needs to go….