By: Kamy Goldfarb
(2009-07-03)...
Whenever someone speaks about energy efficiency, most automatically think about commercial and single-family residential buildings. But one of the biggest sectors of buildings and construction are multi-family homes. Often times, these buildings are not addressed due to the fact that most are rentals or are considered affordable housing; where most people don't have the funds to improve their unit or investors/owners do not see the payback for the investment.
Energy efficiency is an important factor in any new development or redevelopment project. Energy consumption comprises approximately 30% of costs associated with the maintenance and management of a building. The relationship between energy efficiency and affordability of multi-family housing in the United States has become increasingly important as energy prices continue
to rise much faster when compared to other goods and services.
The overall trend is that energy efficiency for both single- and multi-family housing has been increasing. Housing built in the1990s is 8.5 percent more efficient than housing built in the 1980s, approximately 17 percent more Efficient than housing built in the 1970s and 1960s, and 23 percent more efficient than housing built before 1960. (Harvard University, State of the Nation's Housing, and "Housing Markets" (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University, 2006) This is due in part to more efficient building technologies and appliances and also in part to stronger building codes.
Energy efficiency measures to retrofit multi-family housing can yield substantial reductions in energy use; retrofits often show energy efficiency
improvements of 30 percent to as high as 75 percent, depending on the initial
state of the building.
The energy savings potential is important not only because it implies potential to reduce carbon and other emissions, but also because energy savings produce better quality, more affordable homes, which is of particular importance for low-to moderate-income Americans who commonly reside in these buildings.
Buildings that are in poor condition typically have the greatest energy
efficiency potential. This is partly because they were so inefficient to
begin with, and partly because they often require a "gut rehab"-tearing out and replacing much of the existing drywall, replacing heating and air conditioning systems, replacing fixtures and wiring, and replacing roof and window systems. Despite the incremental costs associated with this scope of work, the energy efficiency potential of these gut rehabs can be impressive.
Energy efficiency measures can offer significant cost-effective energy savings in both rehabilitated and new construction multi-family housing. These savings reduce the operating cost for families to maintain their home and make housing more affordable.
When assessing the site and its various components, energy efficiency can be
reviewed on 2 levels; overall site and individual units.
Typical energy-efficient measures that should be included in projects like this include:
- R-30 Attic insulation or injection foam
- R-11 or better wall insulation or injection foam
- Dual-glazed windows with or without tint
- Tank-less, instant, or solar-assist hot water heaters
- Programmable thermostats
- Fluorescent or CFL lighting
- Efficient kitchen ranges
- Energy Star refrigerators
- Air sealing/Weather stripping
- Low-flow water fixtures
These are only a few opportunities to improve energy efficiency. There are
many other options that are viable and could be considered.
Energy-Efficient Equipment, Advanced Controls Offer Means to Green OPL
Provided by American Laundry News [ View all News Headlines ] And while it may be hard to improve ... usage and increasing efficiency in their on-premise laundry. Energy-efficient laundry equipment and advanced controls are playing key roles in ... ...
The ROI of Energy Efficiency and Green Technologies
Provided by RedOrbit [ View all News Headlines ] John Gerace, Ph.D., PE, Executive Vice President of Energy Edge Technologies Corporation, presented a paper titled, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Green Technologies and Their Dual Role of ...
Energy Efficiency Global Forum and Exposition - Deputy Secretary Sell
... . There are incredible opportunities to increase and maximize energy efficiency in our homes, in our commercial buildings, and in ... the leading advocate for energy efficiency within the federal sector. The 5th pillar - a fundamental one in my view - is ...
Kamy Goldfarb
... Kamy is the author of articles related to green building for GreenenvironmentNews.com. Kamy can be contacted at ka&# ... out The Sustainable Building Advisor Program. Multifamily Housing - A Missed Opportunity for Energy Efficiency - (7/3/09)... ...
Unrecycled energy-efficient lights release mercury into environment: report
... by istockAnalyst.com (press release) [ View all News Headlines ] Demand for the energy-efficient lights -- the compact fluorescent ... as government mandates for energy-efficient lighting take effect, yet only about two percent of residential consumers ...
Canaccord Genuity Green Building Semimonthly: EU's Energy Efficiency Movement ...
Provided by StreetInsider.com (subscription) [ View all News Headlines ] Canaccord's analysts said, "The EU's increased commitment ... 2020 offers important growth opportunities for several of our Green Building/Energy Efficiency names under coverage. ...
Barnegat developer embraces energy-efficient construction, wins industry ...
... Provided by Press of Atlantic City [ View all News Headlines ] The company learned about energy efficient improvements, recyclable materials ... the changes, and this month its homebuilding division, Walters Homes, was named Green ... Read Complete Story
Seeing green through new energy efficient windows
Provided by Bonners Ferry Herald [ View all News Headlines ] "The ultimate goal of such initiatives is to ... and make purchasing more attainable for home and commercial building owners," says Terry Mapes, energy efficiency engineer and principal ...
WREX.com - Rockford's News LeaderGoing Green: e2Residential energy efficient homes
Provided by WREX-TV [ View all News Headlines ] An EPA ENERGY STAR new home is around an 80, but Wigget says an ... the way around the entire structure." That 50 rating means it's 50% more energy efficient. ... Read Complete Story
DCEO is Accepting Applications for Green Industry, Energy Efficiency Grants
... by IGNN (press release) [ View all News Headlines ] CHICAGO - The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced today ... 4 for two grant programs designed to promote green industry and energy efficiency and create jobs around the state. ...
