Register   |  Login

Green retrofits provide excellent payback
Email  
 
 

By Amie Silverwood

Finding ways to save money through green retrofits is well worth the effort according to the management team at Briarlane Property Management. When they take over a new building, they immediately find ways to reduce energy and water use and heating costs. Their efforts end up saving their clients money and make the tenants more comfortable in their apartments.

From the top down, renovations start on the roof where the replacement will provide a higher R factor than the former roof to protect the building from the elements. New windows and balcony doors usually will be put in since even new windows and doors may not be energy efficient.

 

 

 

 

“There are companies that make windows and doors that shouldn’t be in business,” says Brad Smith, President of Briarlane Property Management. “But if we do it, it’s a really good window and a really good door. It’s been tested and retested. They’ve been tested in the shop and we have them tested on the building to make sure they’re performing like they’re supposed to. Just about every building we manage we have to change the windows and doors.”

Water conservation is another feature to consider. Replacing toilets with low flow models can reduce water usage by up to 70 per cent with toilets that use only six litres per flush. Leaking toilets can waste up to 200 thousand litres of water a year so it is important for management to verify that toilets are in working order.

Low flow showerheads also use up to 70 per cent less water than standard fixtures without compromising water pressure. There are many models on the market at various price ranges that are attractive. Older showerheads often use 14 litres of water per minute while the energy efficient showerheads may use only four or five litres per minute. Aerators in faucets can also reduce the amount of water used by residents and replacing washers and dryers in the laundry room with more efficient machines can bring an excellent payback.

Finding ways to eliminate wasted heat is a simple way to save money. Reflective panel systems can redirect heat back into the building instead of it being lost through an exterior wall. And managing the temperature within units can make a big difference to heating bills.

“We put in a system that’s only recently become available where heating is controlled by a thermostat and if the tenant leaves the apartment, it will back off the heat,” explains Smith. “We’re going to get a big rebate from hydro on that because it saved a ton of money. The rebate we’re going to get is $15 thousand per building in two 64 unit buildings.”

They also install variable speed drives and building automation systems that can be monitored to save energy according to the buildings’ needs and uses. They examine all the bills for inefficiencies or other red flags that can cost the landlord money.

Some landlords will reduce the amount of lighting in corridors in order to save energy but this isn’t a good idea since dim hallways can be a safety issue for residents and tenants will find well lit corridors more pleasant. Save energy by using efficient lighting fixtures with compact fluorescents or LEDs.

For more information on saving money through green retrofits, consult the March 2011 issue of Canadian Apartment Magazine.

 

Add a comment

 < Back     Copyright © Canadian Apartment Magazine. All rights reserved.  



 

MediaEdge Branding
Privacy Policy
);