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…
Category: Efficiency
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…
Not all LED bulbs are created equal-Find out why!
While LED lighting saves energy, it’s important to know that not all LED bulbs are not created equal, so knowing what to look for when making a purchase is crucial. For tips on what to look for and an overview of important the steps for completing a lighting upgrade project, read more here: http://www.breeabuildings.com/yugoofcapitalprojects/ Wes…
Water and Sewer bills are rising fast
A recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out that water and sewer bills have increased over 5.5% annually over the last decade, three times the rate of inflation. And that pace is likely to continue, due to aging water and sewer infrastructure. https://www.wsj.com/articles/who-is-paying-to-fix-outdated-water-and-sewer-systems-you-are-1521106201 If it hasn’t already, this will pinch the pocketbooks of apartment owners…
Tariff Impact on Energy Pricing
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…
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. Wes Winterstein
Have You Switched to LED Yet?
LED technology has improved to the point where you should take another look. The prices have come down and the quality has gone up, so it is really in the “sweet spot” for an investment. And it really is a quality investment with significant value-add for your community, and not just on energy savings which…