By Marc Courtenay
Just because the cost of heating and cooling buildings hasn’t been skyrocketing this year doesn’t mean it can’t happen next year. Being a “conservationist” when it comes to energy is good for everyone. Property managers around the globe are responding positively to the challenge. They know that energy efficient rental units attract conscientious residents while protecting our strained environment. That’s why the Board of Directors of the National Apartment Association (NAA) recently adopted a thoughtfully crafted statement of policy on energy efficiency benchmarking requirements for apartments.
This helps set a standard for the industry that is both attainable and makes meaningful progress towards improvements. Benchmarking itself is an emerging standard of practice for many owners and operators in the industry. The organization announced that a working group of NAA members looked at all aspects of the issue and crafted a statement of policy that was approved on June 4, 2016 which:
• Supports voluntary benchmarking as a means to improve an apartment building’s energy performance
• Opposes mandatory labeling and retrofit requirements
• Urges policymakers to work with apartment owners and operators to develop voluntary benchmarking programs that address the unique characteristics of apartments.
The policy resolution states that, “… by their basic density and design, apartments are inherently energy efficient but do represent a significant opportunity for achieving energy efficiency and furthering public policy goals of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”
That’s precisely what proactive property managers are doing in the lulls between extreme seasons like summer and winter. Now is the time to discover what needs to be accomplished at reasonable costs. Some of the “no-brainer” upgrades include replacing old insulation and weather-stripping around doors and windows. Replace and clean HVAC system filters and ducting. Wrap system joints to prevent leaks and increase airflow.
Contact your local utilities for information about government sponsored and subsidized programs to improve energy efficiency. Schedule one of their consultants to give a free review of properties that need attention. Remember the goals are to track energy usage over time, compare performance between similar properties and identify areas to improve energy performance, reduce consumption and generate savings for residents.
When residents are polled about their concerns and priorities, having affordable, reliable heating and cooling in their homes ranks towards the top every time. That’s a keen priority for managers too. As vacancies arise in the normal turnover of your rental units, contact your owner-clients to discuss their views on the subject of energy efficiency. You may be surprised how many want to upgrade in that area. With federal, state and local initiatives to help pay for better HVAC systems, insulated windows and superior insulation in ceilings and walls, the cost of meeting a higher energy benchmark is within reach.
You’re likely to attract the quality of residents who care about the properties that you manage. You’ll also earn a positive reputation among those needing responsible management.
From:: Property Management
