1 energy efficiency: benefits to apartment owners & tenants tim perrin neil curtis vermont law...

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Energy Efficiency:Benefits to Apartment Owners & Tenants

Tim PerrinNeil Curtis

Vermont Law School

July 28, 2010

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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)

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Efficiency: Our most cost-effectiveenergy resource

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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.

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Efficiency Vermont: What We Do

•Technical Assistance & Recommendations•Coupled with Economic Analysis•Collaborate with Architects / Contractors•Provide “Objective Expertise”•Financial Incentives & Assistance

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• 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

Efficiency Vermont: How We’re Funded

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Why is Energy Efficiency Relevant

Energy Efficiency Can…

• Lower Operating Costs• Increase Comfort• Improve Occupant Health & Productivity• Improve Building Durability & Value• Reduce Maintenance Issues

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Performance Issues: Heat Loss

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Performance Issues: Moisture

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• Maintain building infrastructure

• Reliable mechanical equipment

• Reduce apartment turnover & complaints

• Tenants can afford paying rent

Apartment Owner Goals= Tenant Goals

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 –

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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?

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Pluck the Low-Hanging Fruit

• Compact Fluorescent Lights• Stop Uncontrolled Air Movement• Programmable Thermostat• Low-Flow Showerheads / Faucets• Annual HVAC Servicing

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A Bit Higher Up the Tree

• Add More InsulationR-38 in attic, R-19 in walls, R-10 in basement

• Choose Energy Star® AppliancesUse 10-50% less energy than standard model

• Remove Electric Heat & Hot WaterCosts 10-40% more than other heating sources

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(Source: http://publicservice.vermont.gov/pub/vt-fuel-price-report.html)

Vermont Fuel Price Report

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Fruit Near the Top of the Tree

• New Energy Star® Windows• Heating System Replacement• Evaluate Water-Heating Options• Resizing of Air Conditioning System

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Efficiency Vermont:Your Resource for Energy Savings

• Home Performance With Energy Star• Vermont Energy Star Homes• Efficient Appliances / Lighting• Technical Assistance

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Services: Home Performance

• Comprehensive Approach• Audit and Implementation• Certified Contractors• Trained by Efficiency Vermont

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Services: Home Performance

• Energy Audit• Installation• Pre- and post-

“metering”• Rebates

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Home Performance Incentives

Measure1-4

Units5+ 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 $500See

HVAC rebates

Maximum total Incentive per building $2,500 $7,500

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Services: Rebate Programs

• Lighting• “Smart” Power Strips• Energy Star

Appliances• Refrigerator

• Clothes washer

• Air conditioner

• Dehumidifier

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• ENERGY STAR Refrigerator:

$150 Rebate!!• FREE Water conservation • Controlled Ventilation:

$110 Rebate!!• FREE CFL’s

Multifamily Housing Rebate Application

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Heating & Cooling Incentives

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When Is the Best Time to Contact Us

• New appliance• Renovation• Tenant changeover• Planned repairs/upgrades• Recurring problems• Reduce energy costs

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Questions?

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How to Reach Us…

Efficiency Vermont255 S. Champlain Street

Burlington, Vermont 05401_______________________

(888) 921-5990 Phonewww.efficiencyvermont.com