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Bright Ideas in Reducing High Energy Costs

Tuesday, August 13, 2013 | By Gina-Lee Johnson
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Part of our monthly analyses for each of our properties clearly breaks down the running costs of the properties that we manage. The largest costs are salaries and wages, which make up a minimum of 30% of total running costs, but are very much based on owner preferences. Building repairs generally come next, but fluctuate wildly depending on the design and type of construction, age of the property and what the owner wishes to upgrade. The third largest cost is electricity, which provides us with the opportunity to implement energy-saving equipment and policies, without affecting ambiance or service.

It is critical for real estate owners and investors to incorporate sustainability into design, capital and operational reinvestment planning, and to understand how well thought out energy-efficient properties and equipment can drastically impact the bottom line. For existing properties, it is important to explore and implement a variety of small energy-saving improvements. We have proven how a number of small initiatives can significantly reduce electricity costs.    

The following are some simple easy energy-saving tips that will save you money on your utility bills:

  • Purchase high quality L.E.D. - Light Emitting Diode (best type) or compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) to replace all incandescent bulbs in your property. Though these bulbs cost more than regular bulbs, they consume a third of the power and last up to 10 times as long. They are also available in a variety of colours, including soft white.
  • Ensure that you use timers or sensors on all outdoor lights.
  • Large appliances like your refrigerator, stove, and microwave are other big consumers of electricity. Your fridge can account for 20% of household electricity use. Replacing old appliances with newer energy efficient models may seem like a big expense, but it can pay for itself in a few years. Check if there is a label like Energy Star.
  • Use cold water to do your laundry and do a full load
  • Set your fridge and freezer to lower (warmer) settings and make sure that the doors seal properly.
  • Make sure your water heater is wrapped in a good hot water jacket, which insulates the tank and try not to turn on the booster unless absolutely necessary.
  • Install variable speed pumps with timers for your pools

Below is an example of energy usage where we changed all outdoor lights to LED’s and installed a variable speed pump with timer.

MONTHLY USAGE (kWh)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2012

AVG

2013

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

TOTAL

per month

JAN

4600

3900

4020

2940

2320

2980

2620

2340

1940

2000

2280

2240

34180

2848

1740

  • Savings compared to Average monthly usage: 1108 kWh
  • Savings compared to same month previous year: 2860 kWh

Preventive and predictive maintenance is another key component of a sound and sustainable investment strategy. Deferred maintenance is the norm, and more costly than one would have thought or planned. For example, consistently failing to service your air conditioning unit will result in poor efficiency and lead to higher energy costs. This will also be reflected in the shorter life of the equipment.

Owners and investors making smart, sustainable investments will position their assets well for tomorrow by ensuring their decisions reflect energy-saving strategies.

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