Meet and Surpass New Energy Code Requirements, Monetize EV Charging
Our Affordable Triple Pane Windows Reduce Project Costs, Noise Transfer
Historically an upgrade too expensive for most projects, triple pane windows’ performance potential has been overlooked by architects and engineers for years. Now, with new technology and European standard driven economies of scale, that has changed! Triple pane windows are now a reality for our market and can offer cost effective advantages -such as low U-Values and improved STC- for almost any project in Washington and Oregon.
Upcoming stringent code requirements are positioning triple pane windows as a workhorse for traditionally costly building envelope improvement credits. Architects and energy consultants wrestling with thicker walls, solar panels, and reduced window sizes, now have a light at the end of the wall assembly! With U-Values down to .15, triple pane windows offer these projects the opportunity to preserve desired design aesthetic while opening smaller living spaces to the outside world with super-sized windows.
Beyond the world of thermal performance, triple pane windows also offer an industry-leading solution for noisy urban areas, the pervasive hum of a nearby busy road, and helps to block the noise of air planes taking off and landing nearby. Even courtyards aren’t immune to sound pollution, with upper floors suddenly privy to the echoing conversation happening 4 floors below.
After your project is designed and built, triple pane windows go beyond the benefit of meeting credits and project construction requirements. Tenants will be more inclined to live in and stay in buildings that are quieter and better for their health. Common area heating and cooling cost reductions help to improve owner utility costs and can contribute towards improving the resale value of the building.
Launch your project into the future without breaking the bank. Dare to go triple pane today and see what ‘windows’ they can open!
Ultimately it is the residents who will vote on your choice of windows. They may rent a noisy unit initially but after a year of frustration they will most likely move out. Keep your residents happy and reduce turnover costs by providing them with the best in window technology.
Contact Amelia Davis in our office at Amelia@northwestpartnersllc.com, to learn more about how triple pane windows can increase your project’s efficiency, and fit into your budget.
WARNING!! NEW AIR TIGHTNESS REQUIREMENTS COME INTO EFFECT FEBRUARY 1, 2021
Are you Ready?
The energy codes in Washington State are taking air tightness to new levels! The 2018 building codes take effect for projects permitted after February 1st of 2021. Are you ready to have your building or home tested to new air tightness levels never before thought possible?
The 2018 codes, for buildings THROUGHOUT Washington state, take the air barrier number down to a .25 cfm per SF, if the blower door test fails you can test again but must achieve at least .40 cfm per SF.
Seattle the overachiever!
Seattle air barrier requirements will most likely be even more stringent. The 2018 code goes into effect for projects permitted after February 1st 2021. The Seattle building codes will most likely require an air tightness of .17 cfm per SF. Your commercial or multifamily building will have to pass!
Looking for Extra Credit?
To achieve the 6 energy credits required in Washington you will have to achieve an air tightness outcome of .17 cfm per SF which you must pass. Most projects will try to achieve this with the air barrier membrane and highly efficient windows because it is less expensive than installing heat pumps, solar panels etc..
We can help!
Our products can help you take your project to new heights. When installed properly, VaproShield membranes, Eco windows, and Primex vents are a secure path to achieving the outcome that you need. Please contact us to see how we can save you money and give you a better looking project to boot.
Making Money with EV Charging in Multi-Family Buildings
Building owners and developers facing EV Charger installation requirements now have many options to monetize these units at a higher rate than previously thought. Apartment buildings with the right demographics will have a better likelihood of a robust ROI with a payback between 3 and 8 years. The monthly income from each charger will vary from about $500 to $1500 depending on the level of EV adoption in your building. The return on capital will continue to grow as EV adoption grows.
The key to returns from charging is to use the appropriate charger in the right location. If a property doesn’t have electric vehicles and your chargers don’t have a point of sale system for billing customers, you will not make money. Where are the places to make money in car charging? What are the systems that can track usage and charge customers?
From the view at 30,000 feet, the best places to make money by providing chargers are in the states with the most electric vehicles. The top 10 rank as follows: California, New York, Washington, Florida, Texas, New jersey, Massachusetts, Colorado, Oregon, and Illinois. Within those states the largest cities will be the ones with the most electric vehicles.
Early adopters mostly reside in dense urban areas. Early adopters are also the ones who can afford the more expensive electric vehicles. They will reside primarily in high end apartment buildings and are most likely charging at work right now. They want the convenience of charging at home!
Initially properties may only need 5 chargers or less. Dedicated circuits may be available on the house panel for the initial installation. The problem comes when you want to install more beyond what the house panel has capacity for. You will want to be prepared for this.
Some properties have already made expensive capacity upgrades by bringing in more electricity from the street. This involves contacting your electrician and local utility, determining if there is enough capacity in the area, estimating the cost for both your electrician and the utility build out, the permitting process, long lead times from the utility and resident disruptions. There is a better and cheaper way however.
Not all vehicles have to charge every day and not every vehicle needs a dedicated charger. Technology has advanced significantly in the past few years and has brought new capabilities with load management.
Load management allows for power sharing between the apartment units and creates more capacity for car charging. In many cases you may never have to bring in additional power from the utility. Load management also allows the vehicles to make more effective use of the chargers. Vehicles charging can be staggered and or pre-planned to avoid spikes in usage and demand charges, especially in the evening.
In addition to load management, many of these systems have integrated point of sale; drivers interact directly with the charger at the time of their charge, and payment for electricity and/or time used is collected at the end of a charging session, then forwarded to the system owner. In this way, EV charging can be monetized and marketed as a unique amenity, while increasing the value of a project.
If you would like to learn more or want an evaluation of your property please contact our affiliate, Leading Charge LLC, and we can help you make your property a profitable fueling station of the future.