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 Prep at Your Property
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 and What to Expect in 2020
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
Resident Education Resources Preview
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
Search for Energy Saving Treasures at Your Multifamily Property
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
Prepare Your Property and Residents for the Winter Season
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
Beat the Heat this Summer
As the temperature increases this summer, help residents stay cool and reduce electric bills with these low-cost to no-cost energy saving tips. Reduce appliance usage to stay cool. Grill outdoors. Save energy by firing up the grill outdoors or prepare meals that don't require cooking. Only run dishwashers or washing machines when they’re full. Unplug … Continue reading Beat the Heat this Summer
Measuring Opportunity
In 2017, Enterprise Community Partners released its Opportunity360 Toolkit, which includes the Opportunity360 Measurement Tool. This powerful mapping tool allows you to enter an address and create a report for any neighborhood to find out: What are the pathways to opportunity? And what are the outcomes when opportunity is within reach? Opportunity360 is a web-based … Continue reading Measuring Opportunity
The Next Generation of Energy Users
What do high school seniors think about current issues such as climate change and energy independence? How much do they know about where our energy in the U.S. comes from and how we get it? Do they understand the difference between fossil and renewable fuels, and do they have any idea how much we use … Continue reading The Next Generation of Energy Users
A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials
The material selection process for energy efficient upgrades in affordable multifamily projects often prioritizes cost, durability, and aesthetics. However, the content of materials and influence they can have on occupant health must also be considered. In the United States chemicals are considered safe until proven otherwise, and not all manufacturers disclose the full chemical content … Continue reading A Guide to Healthier Upgrade Materials