Small Building Improvements (Maintenance Staff) 

• Lighting: install compact fluorescent lighting in all rental units and public common areas;
• Programmable Thermostat: install a programmable thermostat in all rental units to control when heating or cooling system is turned on;
• Weatherization: check for interior and exterior air leaks and gaps in windows baseboards, doors, attic hatch, mounted air conditioners, siding and foundation and seal with caulking or weather stripping to prevent heat/cool loss.

Larger Building Improvement Projects (Projects for Maintenance Staff or Contractors) 

• Central Heating & Cooling: upgrade building central heating and cooling systems to energy efficient models;
• Insulation: make sure that the building has sufficient and proper insulation and if not, upgrade insulation;
• Roof: inspect the building roof to determine if it needs replacing and upgrade to an energy efficient roof;
• Windows: if the building has single pane or old windows, consider upgrading to special energy efficient models to help moderate the room temperature and reduce the burden on the central heating and cooling system.

Generate Your Own Power 

• Solar energy: consider installing a solar system to generate power or heat water to drastically cut energy use from the grid...cost for the solar system can be offset with rebates and recaptured with tenant rent;
• Wind power: if the building is located in a relatively open area with consistent winds, consider installing a wind turbine to reduce the amount of power the building draws from the utility grid...cost for the wind turbine can be recaptured with tenant rent;
• Fuel cells:  install a highly efficient natural gas fuel cell system to generate power and/or heat...new systems are incredibly efficient, rebates are available and the return on investment is under 4 years.