Energy Efficiency: Benefits to Apartment Owners & Tenants Tim Perrin Neil Curtis Vermont Law School July 28, 2010
Glossary of Terms Conservation: Turning the light off Efficiency: Getting the best light in the right location in the most efficient manner Renewable Energy: Lighting the bulb with a renewable energy source (i.e. Wind, Solar, Other)
Efficiency: Our most cost-effective energy resource
Efficiency Vermont: Who We Are Nation’s first statewide provider of energy efficiency services Created by the Vermont Legislature and Vermont Public Service Board in 2000 Competitively-bid, performance-based contract managed by Vermont Energy Investment Corp.
Efficiency Vermont: What We Do Technical Assistance & Recommendations Coupled with Economic Analysis Collaborate with Architects / Contractors Provide “Objective Expertise” Financial Incentives & Assistance
Efficiency Vermont: How We’re Funded Through an Energy Efficiency Charge (EEC) on all electric bills Average residential customer ~$2-3 per month Most states have energy efficiency services—typically managed by their electric utility Other programs: charges buried in electric rates
Why is Energy Efficiency Relevant Energy Efficiency Can… Lower Operating Costs Increase Comfort Improve Occupant Health & Productivity Improve Building Durability & Value Reduce Maintenance Issues
Performance Issues: Heat Loss
Performance Issues: Moisture
Apartment Owner Goals = Tenant Goals Maintain building infrastructure Reliable mechanical equipment Reduce apartment turnover & complaints Tenants can afford paying rent The building doesn’t fall apart Stay warm (and don’t have to call) No need to look elsewhere Reduce housing expenses – Improve sales potential for apartments –
The Barrier to Implementation Apartments suffer from “the split incentive” Landlord owns the building Tenant pays electric, sometimes fuel bills What is the incentive to make changes?
Pluck the Low-Hanging Fruit Compact Fluorescent Lights Stop Uncontrolled Air Movement Programmable Thermostat Low-Flow Showerheads / Faucets Annual HVAC Servicing
A Bit Higher Up the Tree Add More Insulation R-38 in attic, R-19 in walls, R-10 in basement Choose Energy Star® Appliances Use 10-50% less energy than standard model Remove Electric Heat & Hot Water Costs 10-40% more than other heating sources
Vermont Fuel Price Report (Source: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/pub/vt-fuel-price-report.html)
Fruit Near the Top of the Tree New Energy Star® Windows Heating System Replacement Evaluate Water-Heating Options Resizing of Air Conditioning System
Efficiency Vermont: Your Resource for Energy Savings Home Performance With Energy Star Vermont Energy Star Homes Efficient Appliances / Lighting Technical Assistance
Services: Home Performance Comprehensive Approach Audit and Implementation Certified Contractors Trained by Efficiency Vermont
Services: Home Performance Energy Audit Installation Pre- and post- “metering” Rebates
Home Performance Incentives Measure 1-4 Units 5+ Units Audit & air leakage reduction of at least 10%. Minimum health and safety measures $250 $500 Heating system duct distribution improvements $100 n/a Heating system replacements See HVAC rebates Maximum total Incentive per building $2,500 $7,500
Services: Rebate Programs Lighting “Smart” Power Strips Energy Star Appliances Refrigerator Clothes washer Air conditioner Dehumidifier
Multifamily Housing Rebate Application ENERGY STAR Refrigerator: $150 Rebate!! FREE Water conservation Controlled Ventilation: $110 Rebate!! FREE CFL’s
Heating & Cooling Incentives
When Is the Best Time to Contact Us New appliance Renovation Tenant changeover Planned repairs/upgrades Recurring problems Reduce energy costs
Questions?
_______________________ How to Reach Us… Efficiency Vermont 255 S. Champlain Street Burlington, Vermont 05401 _______________________ (888) 921-5990 Phone www.efficiencyvermont.com