Sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a responsibility. In Charlotte, HOA communities have the unique opportunity to lead the way in adopting eco-friendly practices. From reducing waste to conserving water, these initiatives not only protect the environment but also improve the quality of life for residents. By working together, HOA communities can make a lasting […]
People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President (NC)
The solar power industry is growing fast, accounting for more than half of all new electricity on the grid last year. But soon President-elect Trump and fellow Republicans in Congress may try to reduce or eliminate government incentives that have driven much of that growth. Read the article…………………………….
Landmark Prewar Co-op Tackles Carbon Emissions with Smart Lobby Reno (NY)
For prewar buildings looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it might well be worth evaluating how much fossil fuel is being used to heat your lobby. That’s exactly what the board at 1120 Fifth Ave., a landmarked 45-unit co-op in Carnegie Hill, did, which turned out to be the first step in transforming the 1,800-square-foot […]
NYC Condo Owners May Bear Costs of Landmark Green Building Law
New York City residents, already grappling with some of the country’s highest housing prices, face extra costs to comply with a law mandating greenhouse gas emission cuts at their buildings……The bill is starting to come due for many property owners throughout the five boroughs that must make significant capital upgrades to comply with Local Law […]
WASTING WATER?: Tulsa man says city drinking water is dumping into storm drain (OK)
Shortly moving to the Florence Park South neighborhood, Brett Long heard neighbors at his homeowner’s association meeting complain about drinking water gushing into a storm drain on Florence Place. Read the article…………………………….
Saving Energy in Condominium Associations (FL)
Saving energy in a community association doesn’t require drastic measures or embracing an extremely different standard of living. From small, everyday changes to long-term renovations, there are several things you can do conserve energy. In doing so, you will not only reduce your impact on the environment, you will see significant changes on your bills. […]
Austria: Full (Solar)Power Ahead In Condominium Ownership
As of September 1, 2024, the 2024 Condominium Act Amendment (Wohnungseigentumsgesetz-Novelle 2024, Wohnungseigentumsgesetz “WEG 2002”) has significantly reduced the legal barriers to installing so-called “balcony power plants” in condominiums. In principle, any modification to a condominium unit requires the consent of all other condominium owners if the planned change could potentially impair the legitimate interests […]
Why Sevier County Homeowners Associations Are Adopting Green Initiatives (TN)
How cool would it be sipping sweet tea on your porch in the heart of Sevier County, the Smoky Mountains painting the horizon while birds chirp, a gentle breeze rustles the trees, and the grass feels a little greener than it used to? Is that a moment you’d want to have it repeating in your […]
Do you live in an HOA? What Arizonans considering solar need to know about their rights
While an ever-popular solution where there’s sunshine over 300 days per year, solar panels occasionally receive opposition from homeowners associations concerned about a system’s appearance atop a property’s roof. HOAs can dictate aspects of a property like the length of one’s lawn and the color of a home’s exterior walls, but they legally cannot impede […]
Two Charlton Owners Corp. Implements Innovative Approach to Energy Efficiency (NY)
At Two Charlton Owners Corp. in Hudson Square, the board has implemented a forward-thinking strategy to enhance energy efficiency through three key electrical upgrades. “We’ve created a brand new electrical infrastructure,” says co-op board member Chris McGinnis, who began planning these initiatives several years ago when he saw electrification on the horizon. Read the article…………………………….
Co-op Board Installs Heat Pumps to Slash Emissions and Costs (NY)
In their drive to cut their buildings’ carbon emissions enough to satisfy New York City’s Local Law 97, many co-op and condo boards are installing electric heat pumps, efficient machines that can heat and cool a building without burning fossil fuels. As the electric grid gets greener in coming years, the thinking goes, carbon emissions […]
Australia: Advocating for residential strata: an overdue focus on energy efficiency
This year, the event cast a much-needed spotlight on a long-overlooked area: residential strata. Read the article…………………………….For years, the challenge of improving energy efficiency in strata buildings has been dismissed as “too hard.” However, change may finally be in the air.
How Your HOA Can Make a Difference (CA)
Lawns were once the quintessential landscape of many communities, including Homeowners’ Associations. However, as we face a rapidly changing climate and increasingly severe droughts, we need to start transitioning to a more sustainable form of landscaping. That’s why Valley Water encourages all Homeowners Associations (HOA) to convert non-functional grass lawns into beautiful, water-wise landscapes featuring […]
Condo Smarts: Demand for electricity is testing capacity (BC)
Dear Tony: Our strata of 72 units just completed its electric planning report and we have an issue with available power. We are a low-rise building in Vancouver and since 2015 about a third of our owners were allowed to install heat pumps. We have also installed eight level 2 charging stations for electric vehicles. […]
Ukraine: In Odesa, a condominium association installed a solar power plant on its building at the expense of the state
Residents of the association received co-financing of this project under the “GreenDIM” program Odesa-based condominium Zadiak has completed the installation of a solar power plant on the roof of its 12-storey building, which will now provide for the general electricity supply needs of the building. Read the article…………………………….
Australia: Steps to take for non-compliance with maintenance obligations
Living in strata means different parties are responsible for property maintenance. Generally: an owner must maintain their lot; and a body corporate must maintain its common property and, if subdivided by a building format plan, other items such as roofing membranes. There are steps that can be taken if one party is not upholding their […]
Energy efficiency initiative launched for B.C.’s condo housing
The Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC) has launched the Strata Energy Advisor program in support of strata (condominium) councils in British Columbia looking to upgrade their buildings for climate and energy efficiency. Read the article…………………………….
Are heat pumps a ‘significant’ change? (BC)
Dear Tony: Our community is a mix of townhouses and a highrise. Over the past five years, all of the townhouse units have installed heat pumps to replace their gas furnaces and provide colling in the summer. This is significant as the townhouses are exposed to the south and in a heat bowl between buildings. […]
Australia: Half a million high-rise residents left behind in the race to Net Zero emissions and cheaper energy bills
With pressure on governments and planners to increase density in our cities and as a growing number of Australians opt for apartment living, Solar Citizens finds not enough is being done to ensure high-rise apartments are energy efficient and electrification-ready. Solar Citizens’ new ‘Electrify Wolli Creek’ report reveals there are multiple barriers to high-rise dwellers […]
New Rules to Help Co-ops and Condos Comply With Local Law 97 (NY)
The word “final” has been getting a workout from the city’s Department of Buildings this year. The DOB has just released yet another “final” set of rules laying out how co-op and condo boards and other building owners can comply with the city’s ambitious and controversial climate law, Local Law 97. Read the article…………………………….
Water Conservation Strategies and Rebate Opportunities (AZ)
Water conservation has long been a hot topic in Arizona (pun intended), including efforts to reduce the amount of water used to maintain lawns and landscaping. According to Tim Smedley in his book, The Last Drop, lawns are the largest irrigated ‘crop’ in the United States. Yet when you drive around the Valley, there is […]
Homeowners Energy Policy Act (MI)
The new Michigan law passed on July 8, 2024, takes effect March 19, 2025 (i.e. 91 days after the end of the final regular 2024 legislative session). The new law essentially prohibits homeowners associations from banning improvements that result in energy saving, such as clothes lines, rain barrels, reflective roofing, energy efficient windows and appliances, […]
Michigan Passes Homeowners’ Energy Act, Negating Many HOA Restrictions on Energy-Saving Improvements
The Michigan Legislature recently approved the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act (the “Act”). A goal of the Act is to promote energy saving activities and uses by eliminating prohibitions against them. When effective, it will negate numerous commonly imposed neighborhood and homeowners’ association restrictions such as prohibitions/restrictions against: Read the article…………………………….
Everything HOAs Need to Know About Solar Panels
The solar industry is growing exponentially in the United States. In the first half of 2024, 67% of electricity generation added to the American power grid was solar! With this trend expected to continue, many people are installing solar panels on their roofs to lower energy bills, increase property values, and take advantage of solar […]
The Best Ways to Locate HOA Grants for Your Community
It can be particularly difficult to manage funds with high inflation and prices. Extra help like HOA grants can be especially beneficial. Additional assistance, such as HOA grants, can be quite helpful. Grants offer financial aid that can help cover costs for various community improvements without increasing HOA fees. Read the article…………………………….
Installing Solar Panels When You’re Part of an HOA (NC)
Living in a Homeowners Association (HOA) community has many perks. Neighborhoods are managed through rules and regulations in order to maintain or raise property values. Generally, whenever a homeowner wants to make changes to their existing home, they need to get approval from their HOA. Yet, with solar panel installation in North Carolina, it’s not […]
Multifamily Energy Conservation Tips: From Audits to LEDs
Energy efficiency and reducing emissions has become a hot topic (no pun intended) in recent years across New England, with more and more gadgets and devices coming on the market specifically designed to use less energy and save money. Saving energy does a lot more than just reduce your building’s carbon footprint and toxic emissions—and […]
Climate Change vs. Multifamily HVAC Systems: Hotter Summers, Wetter Winters Demand Adaptation
The impacts of climate change are vast and interrelated. While natural factors like solar variations, the planet’s orbital shifts, and volcanic eruptions occur cyclically and have nothing to do with people, human activity adds significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these influences have driven average winter temperatures […]
New Energy Technology: A Look at What’s Here, and What’s Coming
Perhaps the most pressing long-term issue for our society and the planet as a whole is the threat posed by climate change. While some may still deny the established facts, the reality remains that the world is warming at an unprecedented—and unsustainable—rate, with the blame for this resting squarely on human activity based around fossil […]
Co-ops and Condos in Historic Districts Can Go Solar for Almost Free (NY)
Even as New York State falls behind on its goal to power the electric grid from clean, renewable sources, New Yorkers are ahead of schedule in installing solar panels — a viable tool for cutting building carbon emissions and complying with Local Law 97. For people living in certain historic districts, there’s an added reason […]
Real-Time Energy Data Helps Co-ops and Condos Track Compliance with Local Law 97 (NY)
With co-op and condo buildings already seven months into the first Local Law 97 compliance period, access to real-time energy data is key to providing clarity on penalty exposure. After a roof replacement and a switch from oil to gas, the board at Westminster House, a 154-unit co-op on the Upper East Side, wanted evidence […]
City Pushes Back Against Bid to Water Down Fines for Local Law 97 (NY)
Terrified by the potential costs of complying with Local Law 97, which requires owners to reduce their buildings’ carbon emissions or face stiff fines, co-op and condo boards in the outer boroughs aired their fears to elected officials. They got a warm reception from City Councilmember Linda Lee (D-Queens). Read the article…………………………….
California’s Solar Rights Act & What It Means for HOA Residents
The shift towards renewable energy sources is gaining momentum across the United States, and solar panels are at the forefront of this movement. In California, where sunshine is abundant, solar energy is not only practical but also increasingly necessary as the state pushes towards its renewable energy goals. However, for homeowners in communities governed by […]
The Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act: 5 Things Every Illinois HOA Needs to Know to Avoid Liability related to Solar Panel Installations
The Illinois Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act, 765 ILCS 165/1, et seq., governs the installation of solar panels in Illinois homeowners associations, common interest community associations, and condominium associations. This article will provide critical guidance to community association board members on how to comply with the Homeowners Energy Policy Statement Act and adopt a solar […]
City Issues Guide for Co-ops and Condos to Comply With Local Law 97 (NY)
Local Law 97 went into effect at the beginning of this year, and co-ops and condos that are not already in compliance must file their first reports by May 1, 2025. To help boards understand how they can bring their buildings’ carbon emissions under the allotted cap, the Department of Buildings (DOB) has released a […]
Lobbyist-written building code law could increase homeowner insurance, limit grant opportunities (NC)
A diverse group of public officials is calling to overturn the state’s ban on building code updates ahead of hurricane season. They argue the policy will threaten public safety, cut down federal grant funding, and increase homeowner insurance costs. Read the article…………………………….
New California water limits will change Coachella Valley’s landscape. Here’s how
Donze in Bermuda Dunes agrees with the overall conservation goals, especially because the valley’s aquifer is replenished with fast-dwindling Colorado River water, but knows she has an uphill battle in a 5-square-mile area that depends heavily on winter seasonal visitors. Myoma Dunes supplies about 9,000 residents, many living in large homeowner association developments that still […]
New Law Limits Community Associations’ Authority to Deny Heat Pump Applications (WA)
A new state law concerning heat pumps took effect last month. Community associations in Washington state may not effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict owners from installing heat pumps in compliance with the new law’s requirements. However, those associations may impose reasonable restrictions on heat pump installations and require owners to submit applications for approval of […]
HB 5028 Passes: A Michigan HOAs’ Guide to Solar Panels and Energy-Saving Improvements under the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act
The Michigan legislature recently enacted the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act, 2024 PA 68, which imposes new requirements on Michigan homeowners associations with respect to installing solar panels and other energy-saving improvements. The Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act, MCL 559.301 et. seq. will prevent homeowners associations from completely banning solar panels and other energy-saving devices when it […]
Condo Smarts: Consider lighting upgrades to reduce electrical demand (BC)
Our building is 30 years old. It’s a 12-floor highrise and we have limited power, but we have significant pressure from owners to permit EV charging and air conditioners or heat pumps for each unit. We understand upgrades in our building will be in excess of $200,000 to enable the demand for additional power, and […]
Landscape rebates decrease for HOAs, businesses, multifamily properties in 2025 (NV)
The Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) announced on Tuesday that landscaping rebates will be decreasing in 2025 for homeowners associations, businesses, and multifamily properties. The Water Smart Landscapes Rebate is a program that pays properties to convert their lawns to water-efficient landscaping as part of water conservation efforts. Read the article…………………………….
New Rooftop Exhaust Fans Save Future Condominium $24,000 Annually in Energy Costs (NY)
Ultra-efficient rooftop exhaust fans at The Future Condominium are helping the 165-unit building in Kips Bay save $24,000 in annual energy costs. Replacing the building’s decade-old exhaust fans with more than a dozen newer models was a no-brainer for the board, especially as Con Edison incentives covered 70% of the $120,000 project cost. “This money […]
Going Solar in a Condo Association (MA)
More and more Americans are going solar every year. The economic and environmental benefits are hard to ignore. Let’s take a closer look at how going solar within an association differs from individual homeowners and how these solar projects can work. Read the article…………………………….
Michigan’s New Renewable Energy Siting Law and its Implications on Municipalities
Governor Gretchen Whitmer previously signed House Bill 5120 (now Public Act 233 of 2023) into law in November 2023. The regulations, which specifically affect municipalities and developers, create a new siting path for utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage facilities with the Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”) and become effective on November 29, 2024. Once […]
New Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act Impacts All Community Associations In Michigan
The State of Michigan adopted Public Act 68 of 2024, known as the “Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act” (the “Act”). Although it was signed by the Governor on July 8, 2024, it is not yet in effect, and is scheduled to go into effect in early 2025. This Act impairs the ability of condominium and subdivision […]
HOAs in Michigan lose veto power over rooftop solar, home EV charging and more
Homeowners’ associations across Michigan just lost the right to block energy efficiency elements in their neighborhoods like rooftop solar panels. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation today, July 8, 2024, that was previously adopted by both the state House and Senate to invalidate any HOA provisions against a litany of energy efficiency home improvements. Read the […]
East Village Co-op Cuts Fossil Fuel Use by 80% Through Hybrid Electrification & Heat Pump Install (NY)
The International Tailoring Company Building has achieved a triple-play with hybrid electrification: cutting fossil fuel use by over 80%, reducing annual energy use by 57% and — crucially — making apartments more comfortable. Improved climate control was a key driver for the upgrades at the 173-unit East Village co-op, which enable shareholders to enjoy both […]
Installing Solar Panels In Michigan In 2024
Michigan aims to produce 60% of its electricity from renewable sources and phase out coal power plants by 2030. Although the state has been a leader in wind power production, Michigan’s solar energy capacity has been largely undeveloped until recently. As it rapidly boosts its renewable energy generation, numerous opportunities exist for contractors to install […]
Private property rights are more important than ‘local control’ (MI)
A new law is set to take effect in Michigan that would prohibit homeowners associations from limiting installation of solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficient windows and other energy-saving improvements. It would also prevent associations from banning clotheslines. Read the article…………………………….
Condo residents transform parkway into sustainable landscape (CA)
In an effort to keep their homeowners association (HOA) fees stable, residents living in the 29-unit, three-story condominium at 4407 Francis Ave. (in Windsor Village) took advantage of a rebate program offered through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Board members were aware that a significant chunk of HOA fees paid the […]