Everyone is talking about Smart Apartments. Smart this. Smart that. I think that it is important to consider, when you are evaluating either building Smart Apartments or retrofitting existing apartment building that you first start by looking at your infrastructure. That means the cable wiring. How will the smart locks work? What happens if you…
Category: Sustainability
Insider tips to stop trash issues from piling up
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…
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…
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…
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…
Maintenance is the properties lead sustainability secret
Who is included in the majority of property reviews – good or bad? Properties maintenance personnel! Who at the property has more one -to-one interfaces with a resident than other property personnel? Maintenance personnel! Who does the property depend on to install low-flow aerators, check units for leaks – toilets, faucets, water heaters? Maintenance personnel!…
Composting in California
If you have properties in California, this blog is for you! California state legislature requires that we are providing composting to our residents at all Apartment complexes. Although we have to provide composting, there are not a lot of best practices out there for us. In the spirit of collaboration, here is my list great…
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…
What is Liquefied Natural Gas?
You may not be aware, but the US has increased its natural gas exports substantially over the years. At this point, the US is a net exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) due in part to the shale gas revolution. But, happens when US allies wean themselves off of Russian natural gas and onto ours. …