As temperatures rise, so do the benefits of energy management

Summertime is here and with it, conservation and consumption awareness become top of mind. In the summer we use water and electricity at much larger volumes. In fact, NWP’s energy consumption data for the Midwest shows electricity and water use increased 22 percent and 24 percent, respectively, from spring to summer 2014.

Water is fundamental to existence, yet in many respects, it is also one of the most mismanaged resources. We continually seek innovative ways to protect this resource and lower bills by inspiring residents to join in the effort.

Showers are one of the highest uses of water inside the home according to EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Perhaps we can help you encourage your residents to shorten their showers. Trimming just two minutes off a shower can save up to 1,750 gallons of water per person each year. Installing water-efficient showerheads, toilets and faucets in your units can eliminate thousands of gallons of water waste each year and with local rebates can deliver no to low cost pay-off terms. We offer helpful tips for you to share with your residents through our conservation flyer and social media.

Electricity consumption also rises as temperatures climb and air conditioners kick on. For properties in regions that require air conditioning, ceiling fans allow occupants to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees without decreasing comfort.

Helping residents cut back unnecessary consumption through education and awareness is an effective way to save money, build value and retain occupancy. Whether it’s education about trends in going green or how to manage rising energy rates, NWP offers research and guidance proven to lower consumption and manage costs. Saving money on utilities helps your bottom line and aligns you with your residents in saving money and knowing they are contributing to conservation of natural resources.

In March, we held our fifth annual Energy Summit in Washington D.C. The Summit offered a full line up of professional education on utility management for multifamily housing.

Our educational summits showcase top executives and policymakers in federal and local government, and offer a forum for owners and managers to impact policy strategies, learn energy trends, peer-to-peer case studies and conservation recommendations. Manag-ers and owners that represent more than 5 percent of roughly 40 million apartment homes in the U.S. multifamily housing industry participated in this year’s conference.

Representing key industry pundits and policymakers were Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of the Environment (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), GreenBiz Group Inc., U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Climate Prediction Center (CPC).

This issue of the Journal of Utility Management compiles a basket of utility management topics impacting the multifamily housing industry, all of which play an integral part to cost-saving efforts and efficiency benchmarks. If you’re contemplating LEED Certification, be sure to read the article on the latest operations and maintenance standard so you can decide if it’s an option that’s right for you.

We also dive into the importance of a well-running toilet. Bottom line: stopping even a small leak in a toilet can mean significant savings over a long-term period.

I believe you’ll find this issue will be useful. We are committed to delivering the latest regulatory, technology and best practice activities that impact your communities, so we can help you continuously improve your business and lower utility consumption.