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he residential sector contributes over 20% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. In an Environment article published two years ago, Gardner and Stern identified a short list of the 27 most effective actions U.S. households could take to decrease their contributions to climate change, suggesting that altering the selection and use of everyday […]

Energy efficiency in buildings is dependent on many different factors; the material quality of the building, and the various technologies implemented. Nonetheless, the use and the users of buildings are also of great significance. This paper analyses building operators and their role in making buildings “work”. Building operators may be viewed as an important user […]

The terms “Sustainable Development” and “Sustainable Building” are often overused and ill-defined. A refocus on the core meaning basically results in two requirements with regard to buildings: 1) stay within nature’s limits, and 2) design according to human needs. In this context, the socio-technical system “dwellers and building” not only has to be “green” but […]

NH&RA is pleased to announce that registration is now open for our 2nd Preservation Through Energy Efficiency (PTEE) Road Show. Join us in Denver, Colorado on July 14 at the PPA Event Center, which is located in the heart of the Highlands neighborhood and just minutes from downtown Denver.

Since 2006, Global Green USA has completed a regular review of QAPs and established a national performance ranking for the green building practices promoted by the QAPs. Download

NOTE: The following article is reprinted with permission and will appear in the May 2014 issue of Tax Credit Advisor. More than 120 enthusiastic energy- and cost-concerned representatives from  a variety of affordable housing companies and organizations filled a conference room in a building adjacent to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station on April 3 for a […]

QAP Deadlines Minnesota: Minnesota Housing announced the availability of an estimated $70 million in funding through the 2014 consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP) and $12.5 million in 2015 Housing Tax Credits (Round 1). The application deadline is June 10, 2014 by 5:00 PM.

http://umadvisory.org/which-states-have-the-strongest-commitment-to-renewable-power/

Waste Management has a new way to add recycling to multifamily properties that are short on available space. http://umadvisory.org/a-new-idea-for-recycling-in-multifamily/

There are many discrete financial and regulatory events that may prompt an owner to upgrade a Multifamily building. However, in general, there are a few specific events in a Multifamily building’s Lifecycle when it is typically more cost effective, convenient and efficient to make savings and energy improvements. http://umadvisory.org/developing-a-long-term-portfolio-strategy-for-investing-in-energy-efficiency/

Understanding the different ordinances – it can be a jungle out there! There is no National Legislation that requires consistent compliance. Cities and States are driving this issue independently. So the answer is: it depends on where the property is located. http://umadvisory.org/benchmarking-disclosures-what-action-is-needed-now-by-multifamily-owners/

In addition to the common and well-known barriers that inhibit greater investment in energy efficiency technologies (e.g., split incentives, whole building information, initial investment costs and ROI, privacy etc.), there is a class of barriers that has received less attention. http://umadvisory.org/the-hidden-roadblocks-to-energy-efficiency/