I don’t know about you, but I’m a fan of the free market system. If a company has a good product and efficient operations, people purchase from them and they make money. That’s an overs simplification, of course, but you get the point. That being said, I’m not a fan of any industry that tries…
Category: Regulations
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…
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…
Several states now encouraging electric vehichles
The West Coast states – not only California but also Washington and Oregon – have been aggressive about its support for electric vehicles (EVs). But did you know that the list of other “states” that offer encouragement for EVs include Maryland, the District of Columbia, Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma,Utah, Hawaii, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee,…
New Portland policy would require commercial buildings to track and report energy use
Portland is considering a new benchmarking regulation, but it is not expected to impact multi-family housing at this time. Here is an article on the topic from the Portland Business Journal: “Owners of commercial buildings in Portland over 20,000 square feet would be required to track and report their building’s energy use under a proposed…
How will the new Congress handle energy issues?
The 114th Congress convenes January 6, 2015 at noon Eastern. A recent posting from Utility Dive offers some predictions on how they will handle energy issues: “Crucial energy-related decisions with 2016 deadlines will face the new Republican-dominated Congress beginning in January.” Read More
The “hidden” roadblocks to energy efficiency
Are there other roadblocks to energy efficiency? We have addressed in previous postings the roadblocks that inhibit greater investment in energy efficiency technologies and practices in the Multifamily industry. In addition to these common and well-known barriers (e.g., split incentives, whole building information, initial investment costs and ROI, privacy etc.), there is a class of…
How Net metering policies impact you
Net metering is the name of state and local policies that allow consumers to sell power back to the grid. For communities that are considering generating power on site, knowing the local regulations on net metering might make a big impact on your ROI. For more info, see: Policies for compensating behind-the-meter generation vary by…
“If they won’t, I will”
During the annual State of the Union Address on February 12, President Obama made it clear that the time has come to get serious on energy and the environment. In essence, he advised Congress: speak now or forever hold your peace. The President put them on notice that he won’t be shy about using his…