#1 Energy Savings

Energy Savings for Existing Buildings

You can increase the energy efficiency of your existing building and you can do it in a way that is profitable for you.  Simple improvements in energy efficiency and the installation of renewable energy generation can pay for themselves over time by reducing your lower utility bills.  Moreover, these investments can actually make your property more attractive to tenants.

Getting Started: The Basics

Existing buildings can be made energy efficient with investment – Energy efficiency isn’t just for newly constructed units.  Existing buildings can be made more efficient with simple improvements that generate a positive return-on-investment.

Energy efficiency investments can pay for themselves over time – An energy efficient building saves money by reducing utility bills every month.  In some cases, the energy savings can offset the investment in less than a year

Improved energy efficiency can also improve your tenants’ quality of life – Energy efficiency isn’t just good business sense – many tenants want to be more green and look for residences that allow them to do so. This can reduce your vacancy rates and tenant turnover.

Energy Efficiency Improvements – Interior

Lighting – Replacing existing light bulbs with more efficient bulbs is one of the easiest ways to improve energy efficiency.  For common-area lights that are on 24-hours a day, the payback is less than one year.  For other lights, the payback can take 2-7 years.  Also consider installing lighting controls, such as dimmers, sensors and timers, that turn lights off in unused areas or during times when lighting is not needed.  Ideal areas for these devices would be in less frequented common places like laundry rooms, exit hallways, trash rooms inside the building or parking structures and alleys outside the building.  These lighting controls can reduce energy use by having the lights on for shorter periods of time.

Appliances – Appliances account for 55% of energy use in the average US residence.  Energy Star appliances are able to reduce electricity and water use by up to 50% and often cost the same as non-efficient appliances.  The payback period can be less than a year.

HVAC – Heating and cooling account for 25% of energy use in the average US residence.  Performing regular HVAC maintenance, fixing air duct leaks and installing programmable thermostats in each residence can reduce energy use considerably.

Water-Efficient Mechanisms & Plumbing - Fixing leaky faucets, showers and other plumbing is the first place to start.  Once any of these issues are addressed, low-flow showerheads and high-efficiency toilets and appliances can achieve an additional reduction in water use.  The payback period is less than a year for leaks and 1-3 years for most improvements.

Weather Sealing – Air leaks are one of the biggest causes of wasted energy.  Eliminating air leaks around windows and doors reduces heating bills during the winter and air conditioning bills during the summer.  The payback period is less than one year.

Paint – Using lighter paint colors can brighten the interior of a residence, allowing occupants to rely more on natural sunlight and less on interior lights.

Energy Efficiency Improvements – Exterior

Windows – For existing buildings, owners can either improve the weatherization of the current windows or install new, ultra-energy-efficient windows.  Determining which option is better depends on the age and condition of the current windows.

Landscaping – For the average US residence, watering plants and lawns accounts for more than half of total water use.  Choosing landscaping that requires less watering and minimizing the amount of landscaping are easy ways to have a large impact.  High efficiency watering systems that minimize runoff and evaporation may also be worth considering.

Though we have provided the basics here, energy usage varies considerably from one multifamily building to another.  Fortunately, there are experts who can help guide you through the complexities.  Energy auditors can diagnose problems unique to your building and develop a comprehensive list of energy efficiency recommendations. Setting up a free consultation with an experienced energy auditor is easy through our network of partners.

Renewable Energy Generation

Solar Energy – Solar energy allows you to reduce your monthly energy bill and increase your “G Factor” regardless of how energy efficient your building currently is.  Solar PV installations can generate electricity that feeds directly into your building and Solar thermal installations can be used to heat water, most commonly for pools.  Scheduling a free solar consultation is easy, for more information click here.

Fuel Cells – Most people think of cars when they hear the term ‘Fuel cells’ but they also can be used to power buildings.  Fuel cells act much like an electrical generator, except without the emissions and noise.  The cells are able to convert chemical energy such as hydrogen into electricity through a series of reactions.

Other Opportunities – Depending on where your building is located, there may be other opportunities to pursue renewable energy generation.  For areas with steady winds and sufficient space for installation, wind turbines may be an option.  Although rare, geothermal energy can sometimes be used to heat or cool a building, or even to generate electricity.

No matter what type of renewable energy source you are considering, speaking with an energy expert is a wise first step.  If you would like to speak with one of our partners, simply fill out our form and we will match you with an expert.