There are many groups in Minnesota trying to figure out how to save energy in multifamily properties, which has often been a challenge since residents don’t have the same financial incentives to save energy as homeowners do. Below are two examples of what’s working!
Owners of multifamily properties within the Energy Innovation Corridor (an emerging clean energy and transportation model that extends along the 11-mile Central Corridor light rail transit project route from downtown Saint Paul to Target Field in downtown Minneapolis) may be especially interested to learn that there are significant opportunities to reduce energy consumption in their type of buildings, as demonstrated by the recently awarded a rebate check for more than $415,000 from CenterPoint Energy to the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA).
Working with Honeywell, MPHA was able to install over 100 high-efficiency natural gas boilers and over 60 domestic water heaters in their high-rise buildings. This energy-saving initiative is part of a three-year project to install high efficient equipment in over 40 locations in Minneapolis.
“With great support from Honeywell, we were able to help MPHA and their residents save energy, money, while helping the environment,” said Tal Centers, division vice president for CenterPoint Energy. “Our convenient, money-saving rebates make it easier than ever for businesses to take advantage of our conservation programs and services.” Even though many of the buildings were outside the area that defines the EIC, it’s possible the type of CenterPoint Energy rebates that helped MPHA may benefit your business as well. Visit CenterPoint Energy to learn more.
MPHA is not the only one saving energy! Metro CERT has been working to address rental housing split incentives, particularly in the Phillips neighborhoods of South Minneapolis. This community consists of nearly 70% renters, with a large low-income population and an older housing stock. Ventura Flats, an apartment building in the neighborhood, was of particular interest because of the significant improvements the property manager and investor owners made around energy efficiency. Read this case study on the energy efficient upgrades and behavior change strategies being employed at Ventura Flats to learn more.
