In April of 2017, The Cooperator examined the passive house building standard that, according to the Passive House Institute U.S. website , follows a set of design principles to achieve energy efficiency in a structure–or as the orga…
Every conscientious board wants to control costs, while still making sure everyone in the building or association gets the services their monthly fees entitle them to. Here, an energy pro discusses ways that boards can reduce energy costs w…
The days of incandescent lighting are on the wane, and LED lighting is where it's at. Cooler, more efficient, and longer-lasting than most older bulbs, LEDs are even mandated for use in some settings. Here, lighting pros tell what your boar…
Even seasoned co-op, condo, and HOA board members can find themselves at a loss when it comes to the complex business of energy procurement. In this short video, an industry pro give a few tips on where boards (and managers) can go to learn…
Getting buy-in from residents on expensive equipment installation or upgrades can be tough - especially if one's existing equipment seems to be getting the job done. But 'functional' isn't the same as 'optimal' - and making some changes to …
Contained heat and power (CHP) systems are one way for multifamily buildings to reduce both their carbon footprint and their operating costs, but many boards (and residents as well) have concerns about the expense and process of installing …
Condos and co-op communities have an array of choices when it comes to how and from where they get the energy that keeps their lights on and climate comfortable. In this clip, an energy market pro gives boards and managers some useful tips …
There's more to hunting down energy waste than just caulking drafty windows and turning off lights when you leave a room. In this short segment, a multifamily energy expert discusses ways for buildings and HOAs to cut back on energy use, sa…
In residential properties, lighting – both its quality and its efficiency – is often as important as the fixtures in which bulbs themselves are placed. This applies particularly to LED light bulbs, since they’re directly tied to monthly ene…
We all know that 'greener' energy is better; it's cleaner, more sustainable, and often cheaper than more traditional sources -- but it can cost a pretty penny to install new, greener equipment, or to retrofit existing equipment to upgrade i…