Energy Reduction 101: Learning first steps at NYARM show

By Melanie Gately, Quality Conservation Services, Inc.Quality Conservation Services, Inc. (QCS) was pleased to host many show attendees at our booth in this year's sold-out NYARM show on September 16. Property owners, managers, superintendents and others alike were educated in energy - reduction that is. QCS offers a comprehensive energy reduction program which immediately addresses one of property owners' most paramount concerns - energy costs and conservation. Many property owners wanted to learn how our GreenSmart Energy Reduction Program® can help them put their buildings on an energy diet and reduce their buildings' energy consumption. This year's show success did not disappoint, and we are looking forward to an even greater response next year. Property owners and managers throughout the New York metropolitan area well know the myriad of challenges they face in doing business here. The recent 25% increase in utility rates surely had a negative impact on many owners' bottom lines, so it's no wonder energy conservation is becoming a growing concern. The good news is . . . energy usage is one budget area that's relatively easy to control. This is where the GreenSmart Energy Reduction Program® comes in: reducing tenants' energy use, lowering energy costs, and thereby increasing a building's profitability. The GreenSmart Energy Reduction Program® was developed in direct response to feedback we received from property owners for property owners. Through this program targeted to owners, managers and developers of multi-unit residential buildings, QCS conducts a comprehensive, free energy reduction needs analysis to identify the opportunities to reduce energy use in the areas of water/sewer, air infiltration and lighting. QCS then makes recommendations based upon the results of this analysis to help reduce energy consumption. The installation of up to 100 individual, passive weatherization measures is the first important step owners should take to take to put their buildings on an energy diet. These measures not only keep energy use in check, they also improve the building's carbon footprint and tenant comfort, quickly and efficiently, without heavy investment in large-scale projects. The measures undertaken by QCS technicians have shown reduction in water and sewer usage by 30%; air infiltration by 15%; and lighting usage by 70%. What does this all mean to the New York City residential real estate market? Owners and managers can realize recurring annual energy savings of $650 on average and a reduction in energy consumption by 30-40% - per unit. Best of all, installation of these cost-cutting measures is fast, requires no capital outlay, delivers a relatively short ROI, and does not adversely impact tenants or building operations. QCS is the nation's largest and most experienced provider of energy services to the multifamily residential market. Already in 2009, QCS technicians have installed passive weatherization measures in over 10,000 units nationwide. The GreenSmart Energy Reduction Program® is currently being serviced by QCS in the metropolitan areas of New York City and Washington, D.C. Melanie Gately is corporate marketing manager for Quality Conservation Services, Inc., Oak Ridge, N.J.