Energy efficiency upgrades will help lower your operating costs, make tenants happier and enhance the value of your property. How do we know? Because multifamily property owners across the country are having success implementing such measures and achieving green building certification. Here are just a few examples.
Upgrades provide truly historic savings
Jeffery Parkway Apartments is a seven-story, 55-unit apartment building located in an historic downtown neighborhood. Constructed in 1928, the building provides upscale apartment living to its tenants.
After an energy analysis of the facility, the property owners completed a number of recommended upgrades:
- Installed a new steam boiler
- Implemented boilers controls with building temperature sensors
- Replaced standard water heaters with high-efficiency units
- Upgraded to energy-efficient LED lighting
Since completing the retrofits, property owners have reduced energy usage by more than 50% for savings of more than $200,000. The building earned the ENERGY STAR® rating.
Energy audit provides the key to lower energy and water costs
Watermark West is a 321-unit, 23-story single apartment building. Constructed in 2006, the building is both ENERGY STAR and LEED Gold certified. After an ASHRAE Level II audit was performed on the facility, a number of energy conservation measures were implemented:
- LED fixtures and occupancy sensors in first-floor common areas
- High efficiency CFL lamps in the lobby and residences
- Water-efficient shower heads and faucet aerators in residences
These and other measures resulted in energy savings of 19% and a reduction in water use of 17%.
Developers make space for energy efficiency
ECO Modern Flats is a 96-unit market rate apartment complex originally constructed in 1972 and later redeveloped.
Measures such as solar water heating, closed-cell insulation, low-e windows, efficient lighting, water-efficient shower heads and faucets, and ENERGY STAR appliances contributed to dramatic improvements in comfort and efficiency. The renovation resulted in significant savings, while increasing comfort and convenience for residents.
In the first year alone, the facility realized a 23% reduction in electricity usage and a 45% reduction in water consumption. ECO Modern Flats was certified LEED Platinum and also received ENERGY STAR building certification.
Do these successes leave you feeling inspired to better manage your energy consumption? The ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager™ is a great place to start. You can benchmark your building performance and track the progress of energy-efficiency measures.
