Increase Profits & Meet Demands with High Performance Multifamily Solutions

JANUARY 21, 2016 || 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Presenters: Jared Carlon || Norris Design, Denver, CO

Elizabeth Gillmor || Energetics Consulting Engineers, Aurora, CO

Chris Grady || Kephart Architects, Denver, CO

Jared CarlonNorris Design

Speaker Contacts:

Elizabeth GillmorEnergetics Consulting Engineers, LLC

Chris GradyKephart Community.Planning.Architecture

303.892.1166www.norris-design.comDenver, CO

303.619.0091www.energetics-eng.comAurora, CO

303.832.4474www.kephart.comDenver, CO

Increase Profits & Meet Demands with High Performance Multifamily SolutionsToday's multifamily communities can be cutting edge and sustainable without breaking the bank. High performance practices have moved well beyond the basics of recycling programs and low-flow toilets, and savvy condo buyers and renters are demanding high performance features and amenities. Further, new technologies on the market can help affordably track efficiency and benchmark cost savings on individual maintenance systems and the building as a whole. In this session, you'll discover how to fulfill the demands of consumers while meeting the needs of property owners and managers; and learn what features, products, materials and construction techniques will help reduce maintenance costs, lower impact fees and decrease utility costs.

Learning Outcomes

Explore how to use high performance, sustainable and resilient features and amenities to create true value for a potential renter and condo buyer.

Learn how to negotiate with your municipality to lower impact fees and maximize utility rebates by incorporating sustainable practices into your next multifamily project.

Review amenities and designs that make financial sense in varying climates and code requirements, and learn how an energy consultant can help you maximize of your budget.

Discuss the latest affordable devices on the market and technology used for benchmarking.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Professional Education

Credit(s) earned on completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members upon completion of the AIA/CES Session Participation Forms found in the back of this session room and online at www.BuildersShow.com. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.

This course is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.

What’s holding your project backfrom being High Performance?

“We don’t have

time.”

“We are selling this project in 3 years. Why

invest?”

“My tenants pay their own utility bills. I’ll never get a return on that investment.”

“Sustainability is just too

expensive.”“We’ll be green if it doesn’t cost us

anything extra.”

“Just meeting the energy

code is hard enough.”

“My budget is already

stretched.”

“We have CFLs and Energy Star windows. Isn’t that enough?”

“$$$$$.”

“We can’t afford an energy

consultant.”

MYTH:

You can’t afford NOT to have an energy consultant.An energy model will help you make the right decisions for

your building.

It will pay for itself, many times over.

“We can’t afford an energy consultant.”

What does an energy consultant do?Builds an energy model and uses it for:Green Certification (LEED, EGC)Utility rebatesDecision-making guidance for the design teamEnergy Code Compliance

TIP: Don’t have access to an energy consultant? Ask your mechanical engineer if they can help!

If you want a High Performance building……At no added cost

…At REDUCED cost

…That will reduce operating expenses

…That will add value to the building

…To compete with the neighbors

…That attract and keep tenants

And you need to get the most bang for your buck, then…..

HERE IS A SHOCKING SECRET:

Following the energy code *might* not be the best way

to spend your money.

What’s your code?

Important Energy Code Definitions

“Mandatory”– Required no matter what compliance path you choose

“Prescriptive”– Required if you follow the Prescriptive Approach but

not required for the Performance Approach

Important Energy Code Definitions:Compliance OptionsPrescriptive Approach• Very simple: Follow the

code to the letter

• Very restrictive: Not many options

• Most projects use this

• COMCheck• RESCheck

Performance Approach• Requires an energy model

• Tradeoffs between systems

• Much more freedom

• Allows for more innovative & integrated design

Envelope tradeoffs only Tradeoffs between ALL SYSTEMS

More envelope flexibility

Insulation & Windows – All Prescriptive! Prescriptive insulation code = Baseline (not mandatory)

Example: Heating dominated climate, natural gas heating

• Wood frame – R19 or R21 batt is enough• Adding rigid insulation has 20+ year payback• Infiltration has a bigger impact – pay attention to tightness

So where is the sweet spot?• Depends on your heating costs• It might not be the same as the Prescriptive code!

Even roof insulation? Yes, prescriptive!R

20 R30

– Adds ~$1/sf of roof– 20+ year paypack

Here is a neat trick:

– Fill truss cavity with batt insulation to eliminate sprinklers

– Overall cost savings AND energy savings

Low Rise (1-3 stories = Residential Code):

Envelope tradeoffs onlyProblem:•Prescriptive code requires foundation insulation up to top of slab

Solution:•Higher performance windows and roof make up for small deficit

•Energy model documented energy code compliance

The Not-So-Economical Economizer

Problem: Prescriptive code required an economizer on the Clubhouse HVAC

– Added $20,000 to project in equipment, structure, and screening

– Saved only $300/year

Solution: Energy model used to work around prescriptive requirement

– Owner invested in LED lighting instead

– Lighting saved 4x’s more

Condensing Boilers: Sneaky savings

80% efficient boiler•Standard•Requires air intake and exhaust•Needs more venting space

95% efficient boiler•Saves $1000’s per year•Exhaust only•MUCH more flexible installation can offset equipment cost increase

Believe it or not: Efficient lighting is often less expensive

Surface mounted LED•12W (integral)•$25•Maintenance-free for 50,000 hrs

Surface mounted CFL•2x13W (not included)•$20 + 2 x $4 = $28•Change bulbs every 8000 hrs

HVAC Creativity:Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS)Tight on space? Try a

DOAS!• Less space required for

ducting

• Smaller unit size, less screening + structure

• More energy efficient

• Additional energy savings with exhaust energy recovery

HVAC Creativity:Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)REALLY Tight on space? Try a VRF system (with DOAS)!

– All electric, but often more energy efficient than gas– Condensing units shared, less of them required– Allows energy recovery between heating/cooling

Renewable Energy• PV, Solar air, solar hot water• Great for longer term owners• Power Purchase Agreements• Prewire / prep• Look for tax credits• Integrate into the architecture

Putting it all together: Market Rate Apartments

• R40 Roof

• Really fabulous lighting

• 96% efficient condensing central DHW heaters

• Hydronic fan coils in units

• Energy Star appliances

• Traction elevators

38% savings!

Putting it all together: Affordable Housing• Code baseline insulation

• LED lighting, ceiling fans

• 96% efficient condensing central DHW heaters

• Low flow plumbing fixtures

• VRF/DOAS with energy recovery

• High performance heat pumps (PTACs) in the dwelling units

42% savings!

Sustainability can be affordable and increase profits!!

“I’d love to be sustainable, as long as it makes financial sense!”

“If I say ‘sustainable’ enough, maybe they’ll believe me.”

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How can your project be sustainable?

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Development Impact Fees

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$6.5 million in standard development impact fees for a standard 250 unit project.

It’s possible to get those waived by as much as 50% by using sustainability!

Use less resources = less of burden on City infrastructure

Will work better in jurisdictions where sustainability is valued

Building Permit Fees

Look at all these Cities that VALUE Sustainability

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But it might be worth it!

You might be the Pioneer!

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First, sell yourself and then your project. It’s all about trust.

Then sell your project. Get them to LOVE your project!

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Create a well-designed place to live, and show it off

Design and sell sustainabilityW

ater Use!!

– Indoor and out!– Water = energy– Commit to a savings – offset costs– Compare it to a project of similar size

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Design and sell sustainabilityO

utdoor - Truly Sustainable Landscape architecture design

– Xeric plant material and design– Water efficient– Innovative irrigation monitoring– Bring in the natural environment– Commit to turning off the water!

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Design and sell sustainability

Make your irrigation system efficient

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Design and sell sustainabilityU

tilize the full capabilities of your irrigation system to save you $$$.

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Every drop counts!

Design and sell sustainability

Indoor -– EPA Water Sense – easy to beat

the codes if you really commit to it– Water conservation features lower

water and sewer consumption and saves residents money

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Design and sell sustainabilityW

ater is Gold

Design and sell sustainabilityG

eothermal Energy!!1

0X the savings!

Makes it affordable - truly sustainable

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$10 $98

Design and sell sustainabilityS

olar – Prewire

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Design and sell sustainabilityE

ven your entry feature can be sustainable AND be recognizable and memorable

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Design and sell sustainabilityL

ow E windows

Efficient construction techniques

Energy saving technologies will decrease heating & cooling costs

Energy and water savings will reduce demands on local utility providers

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Design and sell sustainabilityC

reate a win / win project with the City

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The Development AgreementW

here the rubber meets the road

$2.5 million in savings, but you need to prove it and commit to it

Image Building Permit F

ees

The Development Agreement

Hire a land use attorney

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The Development AgreementYou might need a

Sustainability SectionGeothermal heating and cooling

systems for every residential building and clubhouse;

Conduit and junction box provided for future installation of Solar Panels;

Low flow showers and faucets; Low flow toilets;

EnergyStar appliances;

High efficiency irrigation system for landscaping;

Recycled materials in landscape furniture and materials

Irrigation rain shut-offs and weather-based evaporation systems;

Xeric landscaping designs and material

All units meet/exceed Energy Star 3.0;

Point source drip-irrigation systems;

The Development AgreementW

ater Reduction and Penalties

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Now the hard part – the Development Agreement

Water Reduction and penalties

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45% Less

Water

Fee savings could be 20-50%

Water Summary

Table

Resident education

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Resident education

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Resident education

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Resident education

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Resident education

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Resident education

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Trending Sustainable ProductsM

aglin Bench – High Density Paper Composite Seat and recycled aluminum. Holds up really well and more comfortable than metal

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Trending Sustainable ProductsG

reen Walls – Parking Garages – gsky Plant Systems

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Trending Sustainable ProductsO

RE Containers – Recycled Planter Pots

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Trending Sustainable ProductsR

ailroad ties for community gardens

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Trending Sustainable ProductsC

olumbia Green – Green Roof Systems – recycled trays

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Jared CarlonNorris Design

Speaker Contacts:

Elizabeth GillmorEnergetics Consulting Engineers, LLC

Chris GradyKephart Community.Planning.Architecture

303.892.1166www.norris-design.comDenver, CO

303.619.0091www.energetics-eng.comAurora, CO

303.832.4474www.kephart.comDenver, CO