I travel a lot for business, and I am often struck by the similarities between the apartment industry and the hotel industry. I’m constantly noticing every detail at hotels and I like to find new things within the hospitality industry that I can bring back and implement at the apartment communities I manage. One thing…
Category: Water
Zero Net Energy Communities – Say What?!
You may have heard the term “Zero New Energy” (ZNE) or “Net Zero” used to describe apartment communities recently. Perhaps you heard this and were thinking to yourself, “say what?!” Simply stated, a Zero Net Energy community or building is one that, on an annual basis, produces as much or more energy than it consumes….
Challenges in Older Buildings – water usage
One of the biggest challenges that I face is the water usage at my properties. My company’s business plan is to purchase older garden-style construction in the Mid-Atlantic region. This poses very different scenarios from companies that are developing new assets. A development company is able to install water saving equipment using the latest technology….
Submetering: A Proven Conservation Measure
If your property currently includes water and sewer in the rent or uses a flat-fee billing, one of the best conservations measures available is to implement either a RUBS or submeter billing program. Studies and experience has shown that residents will conserve water when presented with an individual bill. You can expect savings of 15-30%…
Benchmarking Water Bills – Are water saving retro fits worth the cash out lay when residents pay the bill?
Benchmarking your average water bills to other communities in your zip code area is an excellent way to determine your competitiveness. Resident retention can be directly tied to many metrics at a community and the price of water per month is definitely at the top of the list in many markets. Quantifying a retrofit program…
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…
Hey! You’re eating all my water!
California is in a major drought. Ok, so that’s not breaking news. Most of you are probably thinking, “I’m tired of hearing about this. Why do I care if Kent’s grass turns brown? California’s drought doesn’t impact me.” Or does it? The following article in The New York Times takes an interesting approach of showing…
California’s Got Water Restrictions!
Effective August 1st, the water police will be active in California. California’s drought has become so significant that Mandatory water restrictions will be put into effect. If there is a violation, we will be fined. These fines will be targeting wasteful outdoor water use and cost up to $500 per day of offense. Things to…
Sustainable Outdoor Amenities
Chris Lee recently published an interesting article on outdoor amenities. It has some good tips for creating additional amenities that promote a sense of community in a cost-effective way. Check it out: http://www.propertymanagementinsider.com/3-tips-for-creating-outdoor-living-spaces.html But speaking of cost effectiveness, beyond the upfront capital dollars that Chris has in mind, should property owners also consider the operating…
Opportunity on Mars and on Earth
In a recent discovery by the Mars Rover, Opportunity, NASA has found evidence that there was once water on Mars; potable water that you could drink. Mars, at one time could support life. When I think about the red planet and its similarity to the earth, it makes me want to check my toilets for…