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Our Board is taking steps to reduce the building's energy and water consumption. In your experience, how (can?) do you convince individual shareholders to reduce their water and energy consumption?
Thanks, st. Yes, we have conducted an energy audit for the building, so the Board has been implementing actions, e.g. switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, that help the building save energy. I was thinking more along the lines of what AdC described, namely how individual shareholders can change their habits to reduce energy consumption. for example, she mentioned how some shareholders routinely call both elevators to save a few seconds despite causing more electrical use and wear & tear.
DN, for the energy audit, did you go through NYSERDA? Did your managing agent submit the application/help with the application process?
I have been under the impression that an audit through NYSERDA is not completely subsidized. Would you mind telling me what the cost was for the audit?
Thanks.
Before my time, so don't know. However, the audit report was written by "Energy Management and Research Associates" (516) 481-1455. As mentioned, our Board is taking steps recommended in the audit to curtail energy use, but that's for things under the Board's control, e.g., the hallway lights. We need to better convince individuals to cut down on their water use. Too bad individual shareholders aren't directly metered for their own water & sewer charges.
What's that?...
No, I'm not being facetious, but there is a need to bring reality by harping $$$ signs.
Example: Shareholders are complaining of higher and higher maintenance as a result of the crude oil crisis. Therefore, boards should take this opportunity to speak about the followoing:
1. Use of elevators: If your building has two elevators or more, it's practice for residents to put both elevators to work at the same time when they are trying to call for one. By pressing both bottons, the elevators begin working and twice as much electrical use is being used.
2. Hot water: If your building uses the boiler to produce water, let individuals know that fuel oil is being wasted if they have a hot water leak in their faucets.
3. Speak about doing savings related to water in general - constantly running toilets, long showers, allowing running water are issues that demand education. Also, in buildings with booster pumps, the pumps will work longer hours as a result of higher demand due to water waste.
4. Suggest home audits and builidng audits to capture wasted electrical, heat, gas, etc. By also including home audits, perhaps people may learn to know that they can personally benefit from an audit.
Unfortunately, our country has been blessed by niceties (not to say LUXURIES) that were outside the European societies until 10-15 years ago. Thus, our current economic situation may be a blessing to bring some measure of reflection regarding our excesses.
Good luck!
AdC
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would you consider an energy audit? the state subsidizes this and you will be guided through this process by professionals.
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