Category: Best Practices

While residents often pay their own utility bills, many multifamily properties offer perks such as use of common areas and paid water bills. When properties pay for energy and residents control use, it can be difficult to achieve savings. However, promoting energy conservation can help properties lower utility bills. Here are some tips to encourage … Continue reading Promote Energy Conservation to Reduce Spending on Utility Bills

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor Kate Brown’s Stay Home, Save Lives Executive Order, more Oregonians are now spending most of their time at home. This change in daily life will likely increase household energy use for many Oregonians. The OR-MEP team compiled the following tips and resources to help you and … Continue reading Resident Comfort and Energy Savings During COVID-19 Stay Home, Save Lives Order

The OR-MEP team developed a series of resident education pieces for property managers to implement at their properties to help residents reduce energy use. These resources are designed to raise awareness about energy efficiency in a practical and relatable format. The resources include: Children’s Activity Booklet: This booklet is designed to introduce children to energy … Continue reading Resident Education Resources

OR-MEP encourages you to keep up to date on energy efficiency programs that your project may benefit from. This month, we want to share two updates, one from ENERGY STAR and the other from Enterprise Green Communities. ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program launched in early 2019. Buildings … Continue reading ENERGY STAR and Enterprise Green Communities Program Updates

Spring is the ideal time to make sure your property is running smoothly before summer. There are multiple ways to prepare your property and residents for the summer heat. Try these energy saving tips: Clean Filters: Buildup on heating, ventilation, and cooling filters is common throughout the winter season. To ensure they are functioning properly, … Continue reading Spring Prep at Your Property

2019 Wrap Up: As we move into 2020, the OR-MEP team reflects on a successful 2019. Since launching the program in January 2018, OR-MEP has reserved $4.3 million in incentives, with 60% of those projects pursuing the Whole Building Path. Just under $3 million in incentives remain available for projects and reservations must be made … Continue reading 2019 Wrap Up and What to Expect in 2020

Carrie Bee and Julia Sinex presented on Resident Engagement at the Housing Oregon Fall Industry Support Conference. The OR-MEP team developed resident-focused resources to support energy savings education and engagement with residents. These resources consist of a children’s activity book and Savings that Count, a document that illustrates a variety of actions residents can take … Continue reading Resident Education Resources Preview

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Treasure Hunt campaign is a collaborative quest to uncover ways to improve energy efficiency and reveal untapped potential for energy savings at your properties. The Energy Treasure Map is a checklist for multifamily housing offers property managers the opportunity to evaluate their buildings and identify areas for … Continue reading Search for Energy Saving Treasures at Your Multifamily Property

Don’t let the winter blues chill your residents this year. Prepare your property for the changing season by implementing these simple, no- to low-cost tips to help residents stay warm while keeping heating costs low. Insulate Windows Encourage residents to use curtains or blinds to cover their windows to keep cold out when the sun … Continue reading Prepare Your Property and Residents for the Winter Season