Legal Settlement Affects Lead Paint 10/01/2009The EPA settled a lawsuit brought against it by the Sierra Club and others concerning its Renovation, Repair and Painting Regulations. The regulations create new compliance obligations for market-rate and affordable properties not certified lead-free. Senate Introduces Livable Communities Act 10/01/2009The bill would create a grant program for communities to plan for housing and transportation projects, including public transportation, transit-oriented development, redeveloping brownfield sites and affordable housing. Gables’ Community Earns LEED Silver 08/01/2009Gables Takoma Park, a 145-unit infill development near the Maryland border in the northwest Washington, D.C., neighborhood of Takoma, Md., earned the LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). DOE Tightens Lighting Standards 08/01/2009The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on June 29 announced tighter lighting efficiency rules for incandescent and fluorescent floor lamps. These rules will have significant cost implications for property owners and managers. DOE Directs Funds to Building Efficiency 08/01/2009The Department of Energy announced an investment of $346 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to promote energy efficiency in buildings. Eco-Intel 07/01/20092009 NAA Green Conference panelists sound off on the state of environmentally friendly apartments. Climate-Change Bills Would Affect Apartments 07/01/2009The U.S. House of Representatives passed comprehensive energy and climate change legislation June 26 by a narrow seven-vote majority. Find key building-related provisions in this Political Insider article. Building Efficiency Tax Incentives 06/01/2009Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-HI) introduced legislation (HR 2227) May 5 that would significantly extend several NAA/NMHC-supported tax incentives for building efficiency. Preiss Brings Green to Student Housing 06/01/2009The Preiss Company (TPCO), an off-campus student housing provider, has completed upgrades to its Austin property—University Estates at Austin—with $1.3 million in “green” capital expenditures work. Green Gables 06/01/2009With an apartment community bursting with environmental sensibility in a submarket where such eco-consciousness is a neighborhood value, Gables Residential believes it has found a model for green success. Energy Legislation Would Affect Industry 05/01/2009House leaders released draft legislation and the Senate passed language restricting the spending of any revenues generated by any cap-and-trade program if the issue of climate change is considered as part of the budget bill. When It Pays to Go Green 04/01/2009With impending regulation, apartment owners may jump on the green bandwagon now by taking advantage of state, local and federal government incentives. Plugging Into Green Savings 04/01/2009Information Technology provides an ideal opportunity to go green. Following are areas for energy conservation. Shout Out Your Green Marketing Messages 04/01/2009Simply going green is not enough. Owners and management companies must publicize their efforts by making residents and prospective residents aware that the company cares about the environment. Baits Are Green Form of Pest Control 04/01/2009In the pest management industry, integrated pest management (IPM) is widely accepted as the most effective, “greenest” approach to controlling pests because it delivers maximum results with the minimal use of pesticide, only if needed. Energy Efficiency Standards Urged 04/01/2009Lawmakers’ desire to enact climate change legislation may have them once again considering onerous mandatory federal standards for building energy efficiency codes. Budget Proposal Includes Cap and Trade 04/01/2009Obama’s FY 2010 budget plan reinforces his campaign themes of energy independence and creating an “economy run on clean, renewable energy.” The budget also projects $650 billion from fees paid into a national cap-and-trade system. Controlling the Flow 04/01/2009Service Spotlight: Owners tap utility managers to monitor and reduce water and fuel costs. PHA Opens New ‘Green’ Seniors’ Community 02/01/2009A new era of environmentally friendly public housing was ushered in when the Philadelphia Housing Authority opened Nellie Reynolds Gardens, a 64-apartment building for seniors with an adult daily-living center. Energy Tax Incentives Receive Support 02/01/2009The Obama administration is backing the inclusion of $20 to $25 billion worth of energy-related tax breaks, including incentives for building energy efficiency, as part of the anticipated economic stimulus package. An Eye on the Prize 01/01/2009Companies can save money by incentivizing maintenance staff to save energy. USGBC Announces Green Building Standards 01/01/2009The U.S. Green Building Council has announced that it will introduce “the next major evolution” of its voluntary LEED rating system for commercial buildings. ENERGY STAR Upgrades CFL Criteria 01/01/2009A criteria upgrade has been given to compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) that bear the ENERGY STAR label to improve the overall quality. |