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8 NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM -NOVEMBER 2021 NEWENGLANDCONDO.COM also more accessible than before. A VFD is essentially a mechanical device that controls the way the piece of equipment attached to it operates, allowing it to be run on demand rather than continuously, which reduces consumption and operat- ing costs. New equipment already comes with this feature, but VFDs can also be in- stalled on existing equipment to improve efficiency.” Greener Pastures, Greener Buildings Global warming and its effects are a major concern for the real estate indus- try today, and will remain so into the foreseeable future. Many localities have enacted or are phasing in new regulations and requirements to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon footprints. This trend will change the way we heat and cool our homes. “One of the main emergent trends is electrification,” says Resnick, “and there is a big push for it. This rings true for both New York and Florida markets. In Florida, most properties are already pri- marily electric. As the grid gets greener and greener, electricity is the cleanest fuel source compared to natural gas, oil, and even steam. This push results in electric technologies being developed and imple- mented—heat pumps, water heaters, and other electric equipment help us move both a money saver and a control on your backs to specific users. Another option away from other fuel sources.” Resnick goes on to say that “a major personal level. contributor to emissions is heating and cooling. Based on the work we’ve done trend nationwide, if not worldwide, is the provide deeded spaces, one unit one spot, with our clients and boards, we’re seeing transition away from internal combus- a major increase in demand for replac- ing gas-fired chillers and heating equip- ment with something modular like electric chillers, or even sepa- rate gas-fired boilers, which all reduce ener- gy consumption com- pared to traditional gas-fired chillers. Advantages of this in- clude ease of installa- tion—these are small units that are very easy to install, versus having one huge piece of equipment that is difficult to get in and out of your property.” Ray Locicero, an engineer with Rand Engineering, based in New York, adds, “The technology for residents. The first thing we consider is if ing demand for electric vehicle support heat pump systems isn’t new, but more there is enough power in building for the infrastructure on-site. are being installed. New accessories, like stations, and then who is paying for the WiFi-enabled control, are very popular. A power. Making these charges a common lot of units have the ability to utilize this expense is unpopular. It’s more equitable systems today is in response to the loom- technology. It connects to your WiFi and to go with a pay-per-use arrangement. ing long-term effects of climate change, you set a schedule for its use,” which is Charges can be segregated with charge- building’s carbon footprint at the most is a swipe-and-go card system where the Another up-and-coming technology lem is with parking spaces. How do you tion engine vehicles to electric. Electric but many more units? How do you man- vehicles are cleaner and quieter, but they age it? Do people share them? If you do require easy have a garage, it’s easier to manage this accessibility to electric charging the pressing question above all is whether stations. “There’s there is enough power, and what it takes a big demand,” to bring it in \[if not\].” says Scott Wolf, CEO of BRIGS, a hicles and, in turn, the demand for more real estate man- agement firm based in Boston. vehicles, there is a bigger push for build- “It’s the way of the ings to provide the infrastructure to sup- future—so how do port those residents, and there are many you provide this? incentives that encourage the installation We are looking at of the ports and make it attainable and af- how to retrofit our fordable for buildings.” properties with electric charg- ing systems while be smart to start thinking now—if it hasn’t keeping the costs already—about how well-positioned its fair to all for the building or association is to meet grow- user gets charged directly. Another prob- if say you only have ten charging stations because you have the infrastructure—but Resnick agrees. “The rise of electric ve- charging stations in buildings is worth noting. As more people purchase electric According to the pros, a forward- thinking board-management team would Practical & Unexpected While most innovation in building some new technologies are more closely directory.newenglandcondo.com Your one source for all the businesses and services essential to your condo or HOA NEW ENGLAND CONDOMINIUM DIRECTORY OF BUILDING SERVICES Search by location: TRENDS IN MULTI... continued from page 1 “As more people buy electric vehicles, there is a bigger push for buildings to provide the infrastructure to support those residents.” — Matt Resnick