Attention: All Associates

As part of our commitment to sustainability, Essex’s Resource Management team collaborated with utility provider Puget Sound Energy to host an energy conservation competition between residents at Vesta and Redmond Hill.
 
Strategic Energy Management
Puget Sound Energy, a utility provider in PNW, hosts a Strategic Energy Management program that focuses on educating both staff and residents on energy conservation methods. Currently, Essex is conducting a pilot SEM program in the PNW region that includes more than a year of involvement with a cohort of 15 properties.
 
This pilot fits with our Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark goals to reduce energy and resource consumption and affect long-term change at our properties. In case you missed it, here’s our announcement on Essex having earned a “Green Star” in sustainability for the second year in a row.
 
The Energy Challenge
The energy challenge began at the start of the heating season in October and will last through the end of November. Hosting the challenge during late autumn should encourage residents to save energy all throughout the cold winter months.
 
The goal of the Energy Challenge is to engage residents in mindful energy conservation practices, which they will see translated as savings on their utility bill.
 
To support the challenge, flyers with energy-saving tips are posted in common areas, and residents receive eBlasts encouraging them to check their energy use in their utility account.
 
At the end of the competition, the winning property will receive a resident event party. In addition, Essex will make a donation to Northwest Harvest, a non-profit hunger relief organization in Washington.
 
Support for Maintenance Teams
PSE also provided an energy efficiency training for our maintenance staff at Vesta and Redmond Hills.
 
One of the key takeaways that other communities can apply is Plan-Do-Check-Act, a strategic model that asks four questions of the maintenance team about the systems at their property:
1.       What do I have?
2.       How should it work?
3.       How is it working?
4.       What do I do to fix or maintain it?
 
The training also covered the importance and basics of energy baseline, benchmarking, and monitoring. Some examples of this include monitoring pool/spa equipment temperatures and pumps to confirm they are operating correctly, and updating equipment to the energy-efficient version such as light bulbs and fixtures, water saving devices, and thermostats.
 
Cool! How does the “Energy Challenge” apply to other properties?
When the SEM pilot in the PNW region is complete, the utility will evaluate the results in terms of energy, resource, and cost savings, as well as overall resident engagement. If they are favorable, they will consider implementing the SEM program at other properties.  Stay tuned!
 
Questions or Feedback?
We encourage you to reach out to John Forde, our Resource Manager.