Trying to decide whether it's worth using energy-efficient appliances at your community? Consider this: If every household in the United States used a Whirlpool-brand Duet or Ensemble washing machine, the country would save approximately 1.4 trillion gallons of water per year, according to Whirlpool Corp. It's hard to say no to that. The environmental impact is huge—and so are the potential water bill savings.
More developers today are opting to include energy-efficient appliances both for long-term savings and simply because it's the right thing to do. And much of the interest is coming from residents. “Part of the reason builders are promoting this trend is because there is a high level of consumer awareness,” says Butch Gaudette, director of trade relations at Whirlpool Corp. “Consumers are being barraged with green energy savings messages, and builders recognize that.”
It's not too difficult to find these green products—just look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Health, gives a seal of approval to products that use 10 percent to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. Rated household appliances include refrigerators and freezers, washing machines (not dryers), and dishwashers.
Each year, manufacturers take green appliances to the next level with fresh and innovative features. At this year's International Builders Show, Bosch debuted the EcoOption “green” button for its Nexxt collection of laundry washers. With the push of a button, users can choose to reduce water and energy consumption by as much as an additional 20 percent. This summer, the company plans to launch a line of dishwashers with the same feature.
Green products do tend to have a higher upfront cost than their non-efficient counterparts, but the cost is recouped due to the lower cost of operations, says Danyel Tiefenbacher, a brand manager for Bosch, whose entire appliance product line is Energy Star rated. The manufacturer recently launched a new online Green Resource Center (www.boschappliances.com) featuring an energy savings calculator that computes the annual energy costs and savings for individual Bosch appliances.
In addition to cost savings, Energy Star-rated appliances can earn properties points toward LEED certification and even help secure project funding. The tax credit allocation committee for the State of California provides points for the 9 percent tax credit application and a boost in the amount of credit you can get for a 4 percent tax credit application, says James Coles, a senior project manager for the Berkeley, Calif.-based nonprofit Resources for Community Development, which uses energy-efficient appliances at all of its communities.
Product Studio
1 CLEAN SWEEP: The Integra dishwasher line is efficient in more than one way. The dishwasher uses as little as 3.1 gallons of water per cycle, while the Powerboost technology cleans dishes in 30 percent less time than other models. To protect against leaks, the product features the Aquastop system to automatically shut the dishwasher off if water is detected in the base of the unit. For more information, call Bosch at 800-921-9622 or visit www.boschappliances.com.
2 COOL FINISH: Tired of stainless steel appliances? Jazz up kitchens with Kenmore's Elite Black Pearl Trio refrigerator, which features a fingerprint-resistant glass exterior. The three-door armoire design features a full-width pantry drawer and tilt-out humidity controlled compartments. The product's design saves up to 5 inches of floor space compared to standard side-by-side fridges. For more information, call Sears at 800-349-4358 or visit www.kenmore.com.
3 JAVA JUNKIES: The Savor automatic coffee machine is the perfect addition to a lobby, leasing center, or even a high-end unit. The 24-inch machine integrates into any cabinetry style and can brew espresso, cappuccino, and coffee. Users can select from 12 cup sizes. A control panel with an LCD display provides detailed information on each setting. For more information, call Thermador at 800-656-9226 or visit www.thermador.com.
4 ON FIRE: Get an entire hearth system in one package. The Eclipse direct vent gas fireplace includes a cast surround, built-in switch, and improved log and flame, plus a black mesh safety curtain. The product uses Heatilator's popular heat circulating feature and fits a small 36”x 24” footprint. For more information, call Hearth and Home Technologies at 800-927-6841 or visit www.heatilator.com.
5 STOVETOP DELIGHT: The newly redesigned GE electric cooktops offer upgraded style and performance. The product features stainless steel trim on the front and back and redesigned knobs. The Precise Digital Control System reduces temperature variation and ensures even heating. The cooktop is available in 36-inch and 30-inch configurations. For more information, call GE at 800-626-2005 or visit www.ge.com.
Hot Product of the Month
GLOW IN THE DARK: Give outdoor living areas a colorful glow with Tiffany-style stained glass post cap lights for decks and railing systems. The caps—available in three designs called California grape, sunflower, and mission—require no additional wiring or electricity and mount in place using wood glue. A top-mounted solar lens and two rechargeable AA batteries power the LED bulbs. Two cap sizes are available for easy mounting over standard 4” x 4” or 6” x 6” posts. For more information, call Maine Ornamental at 866-780-3507 or visit www.postcaps.com.
Cool Question of the Month
Q: How can multifamily developers distinguish property lobbies from the competition?
A: When developing a luxury resort, you have to ‘‘ separate yourself from the competition in a multitude of ways. At the Inter Continental Resort & Residences Orlando at Palazzo Del Lago, we used outstanding architecture [and] creative interior design and thought completely outside of the box.
With such a palatial title (Palazzo Del Lago means “palace on the lake”), the grand-scale nature of this project is simply mandated. Guests will be amazed as they walk into our spectacular lobby with its soaring, 70-foot-tall atrium inspired by the grand architecture of the Renaissance. The lobby is 13,178 square feet of magnificent space filled with Corinthian columns and coffered vaulted ceilings. The piece de resistance is the grand fountain, a massive and impactful architectural statement ”
Jerry Krystoff is CEO of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based Hospitality Development Group.