Choose window coverings for efficiency
Growing up in California’s central valley meant arid, hot summers. My maternal grandparents did not have air conditioning. When I was around five years old, I hated going to their house. Not because the...
Supercharge your swimming pool
It is hot outside, which always makes me want to swim (I look like a manatee in the pool, but I love it). So, let’s talk about YOUR pool. Swimming pools have been popular...
Weighing risks and rewards of Trump’s energy policy overhaul
The multifamily housing industry is navigating a shifting regulatory landscape as the Trump administration advances sweeping changes to federal energy policy. With the House already passing key parts of what Trump has dubbed...
Communicate the big 3 of recycling
Growing up in unincorporated Fresno (the part of Fresno that Fresno apparently did not want), we had a tremendous number of fruit trees: lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, plum, nectarine, peach, and pomegranate. I loved the...
Turn down the heat: Slash energy costs in your multifamily building with water conservation
Early in my career I got very proficient at capturing rebates and free equipment for reducing energy usage. “I love FREE STUFF!” I used to chant. Surprising to most people was my focus on...
Making the grade on recycling
One of my coworkers had to take time off work for a parent-teacher conference. When he returned, a smile rested on his face as he was pleased with the results for his child. I,...
To REC or Not to REC. That is the question. Also, what the Heck...
From a reporting and compliance perspective, this is the heavy energy benchmarking season. Utility data is being collected, reviewed, assured and benchmarked, not only for green loans, GRESB reporting and energy compliance benchmarking, but...
The economic benefits of recycling in apartment complexes
About four years ago, I was implementing a recycling program at a property in Nevada. As part of the program, I ran a resident engagement event to ensure everyone knew which bins were trash...
Expect volatility as energy markets adjust to tariffs
We all know that energy cannot be created or destroyed. We also know that it can be expensive. My news feed this morning was filled with articles on the new reciprocal tariffs and the...
Zoning sets the foundation for sustainability
Recently, ULI’s Lewis Center for Sustainability hosted a sustainability exchange session, titled: Reshaping the City: Zoning for Sustainability, Health, and Inclusion, in which Sara C. Bronin, author of “Key To The City” discussed how...
Does daylight savings save?
When I was in California, I had a famous quote by Albert Einstein on a sign by my door: “Energy cannot be created or destroyed.”
And underneath it in wiggly handwriting I wrote “But it...
Utility Management Advisory: An Origin Story
“No matter how hard I try, I can never, ever know everything about utility management.” I was a single contributor in my company and felt I would never get the experience necessary to be...
Blame it on the ground hog!
On February 2, 2025, Punxsutawney Phil, AKA “The Groundhog” suggested that there would be 6 more weeks of winter. Over the past 130 years, Phil has been accurate about 40% of the time, which...
Wherefore art thou sustainability
So last week, we talked about Caddy Shack. It is a perfect segway into Shakespeare.
In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” Juliet from her balcony contemplates her love for Romeo despite her family’s feud with his...
Clearing the air on gas ranges
If you have not watched the movie, “Caddy Shack” I highly recommend it. Not only is it one of Bill Murray’s finest performances, but it also contains one of the most hilarious scenes ever,...
