CAI and the Department of Energy (DOE) are dedicated to educating the community association industry—and the significant portion of the U.S. population it represents—on the many ways to increase the energy efficiency of their homes and thereby reduce both energy consumption and costs.
This Best Practices Report, published by the Foundation for Community Association Research and the Department of Energy (DOE), includes performance benchmarks for how to establish energy efficient homes and communities as well as case studies that illustrate the implementation of those benchmarks in real communities.
In this report, you will find information on the following areas:
- Retrofitting both existing homes and community structures such as clubhouses. You will find tips for energy efficiency related to appliances, insulation and weatherization, heating and cooling, landscaping, lighting, and windows.
- Utilizing the increasing support of the "Building Green" movement. In particular, the success of the Department of Energy's Building America Program and highlights Civano, Arizona—one of the first communities built to be energy efficient through the use of construction improvements and solar energy.
- Gaining ideas from case studies of community associations across the country that have demonstrated success in reducing energy consumption and costs.
Energy Efficiency is also available as a free PDF download. However, for those who want a printed version, it is available here at cost.
Contents
Introduction
Section One: Retrofitting Existing Homes
Appliances
Insulation and Weatherization
Heating and Cooling
Landscaping
Lighting
Windows
Section Two: Building Green
Building America
Civano, Arizona
Section Three: Case Studies
Case Study #1: Castlegate Homeowners Association
Case Study #2: Watergate at Landmark Condominium Unit Owners Association
Case Study #3: Radisson Community Association, Inc.
Case Study #4: Heron’s Cove Condominium
Case Study #5: Mountain Park Home Owners Association