Santa Monica Property Blog

STUDIES SHOW GREENING BUILDINGS IS GOOD FOR THE BOTTOM LINE

by Jodi Summers

It’s been studied and documented, greening your office building improves your bottom line. Let us share a round of facts with you.

“Increasing energy efficiency in our buildings can increase occupancy rates, leasing prices and sale prices — all in a highly-competitive environment,” confirms a new report from Ceres and Mercer titled “Energy Efficiency and Real Estate: Opportunities for Investors”

The report also concluded that real estate managers who don’t put energy efficiency measures into their properties risk lower profits in the future.

And having said that, if you’re adhering to our statewide CALGREEN Code, you’re already ahead of the game. The California Building Standards Commission is setting minimum green-building criterion that may, at the discretion of any local government entity, be applied.

Buildings currently account for 39 percent of the energy used in the United States, 71 percent of electricity use, and 39 percent of C02 emissions. A recent report by McKinsey & Company notes that the U.S. economy has the potential to reduce annual non-transportation energy consumption by roughly 23 percent by 2020, eliminating more than $1.2 trillion in waste.

Republicans and Democrats actually agree that green real estate is important. In June 2009, legislation was approved by the House of Representatives to control climate change by limiting heat- trapping pollution and creating a trading system for pollution permits. The bill calls for cutting greenhouse-gas emissions from 2005 levels by 17 percent by 2020, and 83 percent by mid- century.

So everyone thinks this is a great idea, but how does this affect your bottom line? A 2009 Maastricht University study that showed rental premiums of 3.5 percent on “green” U.S. office properties, while Energy Star buildings had 6 percent higher occupancy rates and sold for a premium of 16-17 percent per square foot.

Here are some of the noteworthy conclusions from these reports about investing in energy efficient real estate:

- Energy efficient buildings offer a measurable financial benefit over non-green buildings, in the form of higher rent, occupancy, valuation and lower operating costs.

- No- or low-cost energy efficiency improvements can have quick and dramatic impacts on property operating costs.

- Poorly performing buildings represent an opportunity for a significant investment gain when it comes to energy efficiency.

- Additional improvements require planning, partnerships and initial investments, but can also decrease operating expenses and raise resale and leasing value.

- Investment managers and products that consider energy efficiency and green building practices are increasingly available to investors.

- Barriers to implementing energy efficiency improvements are eroding as demand grows, research on the benefits continues, and supporting products and services improve feasibility and cost-effectiveness.

Essentially, greening your building is the best thing for your bottom line. In confirmation, we’ll site a report from KPMG, which finds that energy consumption in buildings can be cut by 30 to 50 percent and still produce a positive return on investments.

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http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/12/22/energy-efficiency-and-real-estate-profits-go-hand-in-hand/

http://www.socalofficerealestateblog.com/?p=953

http://www.socalofficerealestateblog.com/?p=965

http://www.tiaa-cref.org/public/about/index.html

http://www.socalindustrialrealestateblog.com/?p=325

http://abeldesigngroup.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/green-building.jpg

http://www.buildandrebuild.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/stat-green-building.jpg

http://allgreen.com/site/images/stories/office_windows_trees_reflected.jpg

http://www.metaefficient.com/images/fukuoka_green_roof.jpg

10 AFFORDABLE REMODELING PROJECTS

IDEAS TO SPRUCE UP A PROPERTY AND ALLOW FOR A QUICK SALE

Edited by Jodi Summers

Judicious home remodeling is still worth the investment, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Report.” They suggest these 10 big-impacts, low-cost remodeling projects -

1. Tidy up kitchen cabinets.

Advice: Add rollout organizing trays so when buyers peek in, they feel like there’s lots of room for their stuff.

2. Add or replace tile.

Advice: By retiling very inexpensively, you make a room look way cleaner that it was. Go to a discount tile store, buy $1 to $2 tiles and replace a dated backsplash or upgrade bathrooms.

3. Add a breakfast bar.

Advice: When a wall separates a kitchen from a family room, cut out an opening to create a breakfast bar.

4. Install granite tile instead of a slab.

Home owners can put in 12-inch granite tiles for about $300 in materials and get very high impact for little money.

5. Freshen up a bathroom without retiling.

Put in a new medicine cabinet for $100 to $150, light fixtures for about $100, a faucet for $50 to $75, and a vanity for $200 to $300. Put in a glass shower door. A French door adds a lot of panache and elegance for $250, and people will notice the door.

6. Freshen up the basement.

If home owners have cement block or poured concrete walls in the basement, suggest they have a contractor fill in cracks with hydraulic cement and then paint with waterproofing paint.

7. Add a room.

Look for large spaces that can be enclosed to create a new bedroom for just the price of creating a wall.

8. Spruce up cabinet fronts.

Update tired kitchen cabinets. Reconditioning is the least expensive move for under $1,000. Take out the nicks and scratches, recondition it with oil, and put new hardware on.

9. Replace light fixtures.

Replace overhead light fixtures in a foyer and in bathrooms and kitchens - this provides a lot of pop for a little money.

10. Tech-up the garage.

Replace the garage door opener with a remote touchpad entry system. The cost is about $425, but looks like a high-end system.

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http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/Articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009

http://img.alibaba.com/photo/208919614/Integrated_kitchen_cabinet_KC_030.jpg

http://freshome.com/2008/03/19/bathroom-vanities/

http://www.strawsticksandbricks.com/images/categories/multi%20pic.jpg

http://www.homesecurityinformation.com/ideas/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/garage-door-keypad-lock.jpg

REGISTER YOUR CELL PHONE ON THE DO NOT CALL LIST

REGISTER YOUR CELL PHONE ON THE DO NOT CALL LIST

By Jodi Summers

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month….meaning cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive annoying sales calls on your cell phone…and YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS.

To prevent this, call the National DO NOT CALL list number from you cell phone. That number is - 888-382-1222.

Registering will block your number for five (5) years.

FYI - You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

BUILDINGGREEN’S TOP 10 GREEN CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

BUILDINGGREEN’S TOP 10 GREEN CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

BuildingGreen, is offering its seventh annual list of its top 10 green building products.

Half of the products on the annual have been deemed green because they are made from natural or rapidly renewable materials or agricultural waste. Such products require significantly less energy to manufacture.

And this year’s Top 10 Green Building products are:

Resource Monitor by Agilewaves

http://www.agilewaves.com/products.html

Developed by former NASA engineers, Agilewaves’ flagship product constantly monitors electric, gas and water use and provides accurate consumption and carbon footprint information in real-time, from any web enabled device, from anywhere in the world.

Compacted Earth Brick by Integrity Block

http://www.integrityblock.com/product_line.php

A seamless green replacement for conventional concrete block (CMU), as Inegrity Block products come in a variety of common form factors and sizes. Integrity Block products also meet relevant ASTM (C-90) performance standards for load bearing CMU.

Natura Paint by Benjamin Moore

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=fh_aura_hiddenPage&NodeUUID=%2FBEA+Repository%2F574014

Natura premium interior waterborne paint is a zero VOC, virtually odorless formula that doesn’t compromise on performance. It dries fast, has excellent adhesion and provides a durable finish with an unlimited color selection. Natura features our Green Promise designation, so you can breathe easy knowing that you’ve used the very best for your environmentally sensitive projects.

Matrix Total Home System by NTI

http://www.ntimatrix.com/

For our planet and our children, NTI has spent almost 10 years developing, testing and perfecting the technology of The Matrix to deliver a premium system that incorporates a Condensing Water Heater, Condensing Furnace, Condensing Boiler and Heat Recovery Ventilator, and which is already pre-wired for air conditioning. All of these functions are contained in one powerful system that requires less energy to operate than competing products.

Safe N’ Sound Emerald Doors by Masonite

http://www.masonite.com/product_newProducts.php

Masonite’s Safe‘N Sound® is said to be a door that is truly environmentally responsible. Manufactured with DorCor™, a low density fiberboard made from wheat straw, an annually renewable agricultural wheat by-product with a formaldehyde-free synthetic resin.

Natural Fiber Fabrics by O Ecotextiles

http://www.oecotextiles.com/

You can have an immense impact on lightening your environmental footprint by the textile choices you make.

Plyboo by Smith & Fong

http://www.plyboo.com/

Plyboo bamboo flooring and plywood products offer endless possibilities for architects and interior designers, whether the focus is on green building or cutting-edge design.

H2OG by Rainwater HOG

http://rainwaterhog.com/

The rainwater from your roof is a valuable commodity: use Rainwater HOG modular tanks to catch and store your rainwater for reuse on your garden and even in your house. Irrigate with it, hose with it, even shower with it!

SunCache Solar Water Heating System by Harpiris Energy

http://www.harpiris.com/whatissuncache.html

SunCache is an inexpensive solar water heating (SWH) system for residential applications in Sunbelt locations which pre-heats cold water before it enters a conventional backup water heater.

PolyWhey Floor Finish by Vermont Natural Coatings

http://www.vermontnaturalcoatings.com/VNCFloor.html

A clear, durable, topcoat seal for new bare wood flooring or previously stained wood floors. Available in semi-gloss and satin finishes.

“Our selections of the Top 10 Green Building Products represent a wide range of product types in many different application areas,” says BuildingGreen president Alex Wilson.

The Top 10 Green Products list has become a yearly ritual in which the Vermont publisher recognizes the most exciting products drawn from the more than 200 products added to its GreenSpec Directory in the last year.

An appearance on BuildingGreen’s list is seen by many in the industry as a significant event, as the company’s endorsement signals that a product is legitimately sustainable. “New products seem to be appearing all the time, making it a challenge for our staff to keep up,” Wilson says.

This year’s list includes the very first Forest Stewardship Council-certified and formaldehyde-free bamboo flooring, doors made with wheat-straw particleboard, a transparent finish produced from a byproduct of cheese making, and a compressed-earth masonry block. Three of the remaining products save energy, including a low-cost, solar water-heating system; a combination heating, water heating, and heat-recovery ventilation system; and a system for monitoring real-time energy (and water) use in buildings.

More info -

http://www.builderonline.com/green-products/buildinggreen-names-top-10-green-products-for-08.aspx?cid=BLDR081215003

LIVE GREEN –> IDEAS TO GREEN YOUR PROPERTIES

Edited by Jodi Summers

1. Double-Paned Windows

According to the Department of Energy, the typical U.S. family spends $1,300 a year on home energy bills. Double-paned windows are up to 40 percent more energy-efficient than standard windows, and allow you to save from 10 to 25 percent off your heating or cooling bill, on top of saving five tons of carbon dioxide emissions per household per year.

2. Caulking and Storm Panels

Double-paned windows are expensive, and it could take decades for their savings to counterbalance their cost. To improve insulation without switching windows, seal up any leaks or gaps around doors and windows with caulking and weather stripping, then add a storm panel to your single-pane window to increase energy efficiency for far less money than double-paned windows.

3. Plant Trees

On top of soaking up carbon dioxide, trees that surround your house can provide hading in the summertime, keeping your property cooler and requiring less energy-intensive air conditioning.

4. Swap Your A/C for a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are remarkably effective in cooling and use far less energy than air conditioning. If you still need a little A/C, consider running it on low, and using ceiling fans to effectively circulate the cool air.

5. Get Your Ducts in a Row

Faulty duct work can cause serious, life-threatening carbon monoxide problems in the home. Check your ducts for air leaks. Look for sections that should be joined but have separated, and then look for obvious holes. If you use tape to seal your ducts, experts suggest using mastic, butyl tape, foil tape, or other heat-approved tapes (look for tape with the Underwriters Laboratories logo). A well-sealed vapor barrier on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts prevents moisture buildup.

6. Be Reasonable with the Thermostat

No reason to be uncomfortable in your home to save energy or reduce emissions, but try to keep it as warm as you can stand it in the summer, and turn it down to 68 or below in the winter.

7. Change Your Bulbs

Electricity is the largest source of U.S. carbon emissions, using about 38 percent. A switch to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can reduce emissions and energy use drastically. Keep in mind, CFLs still contain mercury; LEDs are considered the best bet.

8. Turn Off and Unplug

Research conducted by the DOE shows that in the average American home, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Unplugging seldom used appliances could shave up to $10 off your monthly electricity bill.

9. Reach for the Energy Stars

There’s an ENERGY STAR version of almost every appliance these days from a computer to a refridgerator. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), by choosing their ENERGY STAR-qualified products, consumers can cut energy use by 30 percent, a savings of about $450 each year.

10. Switch to Solar or Wind Power Without Buying Your Own System

According to the DOE, at least 50 percent of customers have the option to purchase renewable electricity directly from their power supplier. Such power is sometimes referred to as “green power” or “clean power,” and costs an average of $1.25/month extra.

11. Shower Efficiently

With our new tiered water rates, it’s wise to be conscious about how much time, and water, you’re spending in the shower. A one- or two-minute reduction in shower time can save up to 700 gallons of water per month.

12. Use the Cold Water

If your shower takes awhile to heat up, catch the cold water in a bucket and use it to water your garden or lawn.

13. Go Native

Using native plants in landscaping can reduce residential water use by 20 to 50 percent.

14. Green Paints, Materials, and Accessories

According to the California Air Resources Board, indoor air quality in the state is worse than outdoor air quality, thanks to the toxins in paint, wood finishes, carpet, adhesives, and solvents. Air quality in new and recently renovated homes can be up to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air quality. To cut down on indoor toxins, opt for Green Seal certified paints and solvent-free adhesives.

15. Displace Water

Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner saves five to 10 gallons of water a day. That’s up to 300 gallons a month, even more for large families.

16. Seal Your House

Visit the DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy site for a printable home energy audit, check your home for cracks, and have adequate installation installed.

28. Keep Your Garden Green

It might surprise you to learn that homeowners actually use 10 times more pesticides and fertilizers per acre than farmers, on average; 67 million pounds of the stuff are applied on lawns each year. Opt for native plants, safer pesticides, and compost for fertilizer instead.

www.realtor.com

www.dinnergarden.org/victoryGardens.html

ENJOY SANTA MONICA’S GREEN OFFICE BUYING GUIDE

ENJOY SANTA MONICA’S GREEN OFFICE BUYING GUIDE  

Find it @ http://www01.smgov.net/epd/SP/greenoffice/main/index.html

Have to love Santa Monica – the city is out there, oftentimes so far ahead of the curve that they make their own rules. In an effort to stay a nationally recognized leader in “green” purchasing and sustainable city programs, the City of Santa Monica  invites you to explore our virtual tour of a “green” workplace.  See for yourself the exciting opportunities that are available to create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

http://www01.smgov.net/epd/SP/greenoffice/main/index.html

This site will assist anyone interested in purchasing products designed to use water and energy efficiently, preserve trees and natural resources, be less toxic and less polluting, and not threaten air quality.  This site is the most current and comprehensive resource you’ll need to make smart, sustainable procurement decisions.

You now have the tools. Please go out and make the world a better place.

BE SAFE – KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH SANTA MONICA’S CRIME MAPPING SYSTEM

Edited by Jodi Summers

 Live in Santa Monica? http://www.santamonicapd.org/crimemapping let’s you know exactly what’s happening in your neighborhood. The Santa Monica Police Department’s new crime mapping system is available for public use.

Always ahead of the curve, SMPD’s system allows the public direct access to crime data for the City of Santa Monica. The data is available for crimes that have been reported within the last 90 days and is updated daily.

The system may be accessed via the Internet at http://www.santamonicapd.org/crimemapping.

Search by crime type proximity to an address, intersection or landmark, as well as for the entire City or within the boundaries of the Police Department beats.

The maps and/or reports from the system may be printed or saved in PDF format.

Due to the unique and sensitive issues surrounding sex-related crimes, the Police

Department does not include information about those crimes through the system. In

order to obtain information about sex-related crimes, please contact the Criminal

Investigations Division at (310) 458-8451.

The Police Department will continue to post daily reports of Calls for Service logs and Arrest logs on our website - http://www.santamonicapd.org.

HOUSEPLANTS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE HEALTHIER

HOUSEPLANTS TO MAKE YOUR LIFE HEALTHIER

Here’s a fabulous tidbit you can share with your friends about greening your environment. According to a recently completed two-year study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the following houseplants help get rid of common household toxins like benzene (solvent found in detergents, rubber, inks, and paints), formaldehyde (used in particle board and grocery bags), and trichloroethylene (used in varnishes, adhesives, and paints):

1. Areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)

2. Lady palm (Rhapis spp.)

3. Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

4. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

5. ‘Janet Craig’ dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’)

6. English ivy (Hedera helix)

7. Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), xylene

8. ‘Alii’ ficus (Ficus macleilandii ‘Alii’)

9. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis’)

10. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

11. Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’)

12. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

13. Kimberley Queen fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)

14. Florist’s mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)

15. Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

All the details @ http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/Spinoff2007/ps_3.html

NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST CELL PHONE REMINDER

NATIONAL DO NOT CALL LIST CELL PHONE REMINDER

Shortly, all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

…. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLSTo prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 

888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

CHICAGO NEWSPAPER MOGUL PREDICTS SPRING 2009 RECOVERY

CHICAGO NEWSPAPER MOGUL PREDICTS SPRING 2009 RECOVERY

by Jodi Summers

Financial mogul Sam Zell, owner of the Tribune Co., recently told an Israeli business conference that the U.S. real estate market will be in recovery by spring 2009.

Zell blamed the current crisis – at least in part – on ill-considered decisions. Optimistically he shared the fact that the U.S. population is growing and with fewer than 600,000  building starts in 2008, a million fewer than any of the last 10 years, demand for housing will rise.

“We are living through our first Blackberry recession where, literally, information is instantly disseminated around the world and people, in effect, respond to it, perhaps, often without any particular caution or attention,” he said.

Immediate communication gives new meanings to the terms buy and sell.

FYI…Zell’s Tribune Co., declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy last week.

Source: http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2008121505