Page 13 - NY Cooperator May 2019

COOPERATOR.COM THE COOPERATOR — MAY 2019 13 people are increasingly likely to want more the market by requesting more of these prod- operable windows to minimize air condition- er usage, to turn on those ceiling fans again. Low-fl ow water fi xtures, smaller boilers or more than code-minimum retrofi ts. However, on-demand hot water... all of these can have a to minimize cost, we recommend upgrades great environmental impact while simultane- ously lowering water bills. “We’re also seeing an uptick in interest in way. For example, when a roof wears out, con- having some space within a condo or town- home that isn’t necessarily the standard fi tness tal additional cost to the replacement project. room, but maybe a yoga area or meditation It’s crucial for condo and co-op associations to space. Gardens are popular, sometimes on have a long-term sustainability plan in place roofs. Communal spaces in general are in- creasingly desired.” Frank D. Hodge, Owner of F.D. Hodge Inte- riors in Boston. “Today, it’s very important to utilize more sustainable and environmentally-friendly for Multifamily Buildings, which describes techniques and materials. Most everyone is energy-effi ciency strategies, incentives and concerned with off -gassing and chemicals other related information; coming from paints and other substances. We only use eco-friendly products in cli- ents’ homes and, when that isn’t possible, we cused on energy effi ciency issues. For ex- always ensure that the client is out of town ample, their Retrofi t NYC report lists energy while we work. “Materials costs in general have risen across the board, so I don’t feel that something munity association boards can get free advice like, for example, eco-friendly fabrics cost any from effi ciency advisers.” more or less than non-specifi cally eco-friend- ly fabrics. “In regard to federal or local incentives for incorporating green design methods, those include much by the way of ‘green’ or sustain- mostly apply to out-of-ground construction, able material. We typically deal with high- windows and HVAC, and not as much to in- teriors.” Dan Piselli, Director of Sustainability and Senior Associate with FXCollaborative, an ar- chitectural fi rm with offi ces in New York City and Washington, D.C. “Oft en, sustainable strategies can have that is regulated by federal code with which double benefi ts for both condo/co-op owners, manufacturers need to comply. Clients still and toward the greater good. Energy effi ciency want good water pressure and fi xtures that saves owners money by reducing energy costs look nice within a space. while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming impacts. Reducing water new home construction, we try to be proac- use and rainwater runoff can also save owners tive with as much as we can, but it usually money while reducing water supply burdens comes down to cost in the end – even with and overfl ow issues at city sewage treatment clients who have larger budgets. Any green plants. Selecting healthy materials can keep feature that a contractor can swap out with residents healthy by avoiding toxic off -gassing something more cost-eff ective usually gets while also reducing supply chain impacts on replaced in order to keep the budget in line. the environment. When working with com- munity associations, we regularly advocate thermal heating and cooling system. But for for these and other sustainability initiatives, the common homeowner, that initial cost of for the benefi t of all involved. “Increasing demand is slowly but surely many cannot commit to long-term home increasing the market for eco-friendly design, ownership in a single location to reap the ben- while lowering costs. LED lighting has been efi t of any payback down the road. a great success story. Manufacturers heard the demand for energy-effi cient lighting and properties and repurposed them for things performed the research and development like fl ooring, wall fi nishes or even stair treads. to bring cost-eff ective products to market. Again, this is something that comes with a Building owners can help continue to push ucts and services. “Sustainable retrofi ts usually cost a bit when building components are at the end of their service life and need to be replaced any- sider adding insulation as a minor incremen- to guide decision-making when replacement needs arise. “I’d recommend the following resources for additional information: • Th e NYC Carbon Challenge Handbook • Building Energy Exchange with articles, reports, case studies, lectures and events fo- effi ciency strategies and incentives; • NYC Retrofi t Accelerator, where com- Steven P. Besch, President and Founder of Besch Design, Ltd., in Chicago. “Th e work I do in condos really does not end condos, and those owners tend not to have interest in sustainable materials when it comes to fi nishes. I recall a time when bam- boo fl ooring was popular, but I have not seen as much lately. Clients sometimes consider water-saving products, but I believe most of “On projects like home additions, or even “I had one client a few years ago do a geo- installation is just too far out of reach, and “We’ve used trees that we took down on continued on page 17 100+ Years 380+ Buildings 1000s of Satisfied Owners, Residents and Boards | | l State-of-the-Art Financial Reporting l Responsiveness & Communication are Our Top Priorities l Leader in Technology & Compliance Tracking l Energy Auctions & Volume Purchasing to Reduce Building Costs l Long-Term Continuity of Managers & Systems l Greening NYC One Building at a Time Management for the Ages 675 Third Ave. New York, NY 10017 212-370-9200 ellimanpm.com info@ellimanpm.com RANKED #1 RESIDENTIAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY IN NYC EllimanRethink_V14_FINAL_v2.indd 1 3/11/19 12:04 PM ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGY CONSULTING Proudly Serving Higher Education Institutions WE HAVE NYC COVERED The Falcon Group is a unique, full-service Engineering, Architectural & Energy Consulting firm. Falcon’s primary focus is on existing facilities ranging from site, building envelope and energy improvements. Our full-service capabilities focus on your building’s specific needs. Falcon’s mission is to ensure each of our clients are held at the highest level of individualized service. ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE BUILDING ENVELOPE RESTORATION & FISP NYC SPECIAL INSPECTIONS MEP & ENERGY CONSULTING SERVICES 350 7th Avenue, Suite 2000 New York, NY 10001 www.falconengineering.com (800) 839.7740