Esplanade Environmental Study Group: Update

Concerned about climate change? So are we. The Esplanade Environmental Study Group (EESG) is seeking to learn what is being done to reduce our building’s carbon footprint and what further steps in that direction might be possible.  And we encourage any residents who are interested in getting involved or have questions please contact me at rak@berkeley.edu  Here’s an update on what we have learned, done, and hope to move forward on soon:

Two years ago, some Esplanade residents concerned about the accelerating global warming crisis formed the Esplanade Environmental Study Group (EESG).  Our primary goal was to gather information about what our management has done to reduce our building’s carbon footprint and to learn about what further steps in that direction might be possible. Through conversations with chief engineer Ben Bara, we learned about significant improvements to our building’s HVAC system in recent years, based on consultations provided by our utility company, Eversource. 

For example, new equipment has enabled the building’s chillers and heaters operate flexibly rather than continuously, responding only to the current demand for cooling and heating. Similarly, the system for heating and pumping hot water through the plumbing and into our units now operates in response to actual demand, reducing energy use. Since most of the energy the building uses still comes from fossil fuels, these substantial efficiency improvements help reduce carbon emissions as well as save money.

The Mass Save Program. In addition to building-level reductions, we explored what residents can do individually to improve energy efficiency in their units. In early 2020, the EESG arranged a well-attended meeting between interested residents and Heramb Tilak of Clear Results, a company hired by Mass Save (a coalition of Massachusetts electric utility companies) to distribute energy efficient LED light bulbs, power strips,  and thermostats to  individual residences. Unfortunately, that meeting occurred just a few days before the Covid-19 restrictions were put in place. Clear Results suspended in-person visits by its personnel to help residents choose which bulbs to select for their units. But recently, we asked Mr. Tirak to assemble an email list from the numerous forms he received a year earlier. He did so and sent messages that invited the residents who signed up a year ago to renew their requests.   Some have done so, but we encourage allresidents to take advantage of this free offer.  We particularly encourage you to sign up for the free energy-saving thermostats. If a number of us do that, Clear Results will arrange for an electrician to come and install them. Contact heramb.tilak@clearesult.com.  Tel. (508) 320-8593.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System. Earlier this month, the EESG and resident Mitch Glassman wrote to the Esplanade Board of Trustees, urging them to make a commitment in principle to install, as soon as feasible, a systematic charging system for EVs, such as a  network of electric panels in the garage, enabling residents with EVs to plug in conveniently (at their own expense). We pointed out that EV ownership is expected to double by 2022, and to 25% of all cars on the road in five to ten years.  That rapid increase, we noted, suggests that if the Esplanade does not provide EV charging facilities, we risk losing prospective and existing unit owners. Conversely, in a world in which people become increasingly concerned about the climate crisis, a reputation for being a condominium that strives to reduce the use of fossil fuels is likely to enhance the attractiveness and value of Esplanade units. There are in fact some feasibility issues, at least in the short run. At the March Board of Trustees meeting, it was pointed out that such improvements to the building’s electrical infrastructure require a supermajority vote from unit owners. Also, the substantial subsidies that utilities and governments now offer for installation of charging systems may not be available for buildings (like ours) with deeded parking spaces. The EESG’s agenda includes further research, however, on the availability of other subsidies, including those that may become available in the next  year or so.  The EESG would appreciate the assistance of any residents who are interested in this issue.   Write Bob Kagan, rak@berkeley.edu. 

Further Building-Level Improvements?  The EESG agenda also includes learning more about “best practices” in energy-use reduction by buildings comparable to ours, with the goal of informing Esplanade’s management and the Board of Trustees of promising practices that seem feasible for our building. We have asked the Board to let us read the reports or evaluations that Eversource consultants have provided to our management, which would give us a more precise understanding of the major improvements that management has already made and of Eversource proposals that were deemed unfeasible.  We are awaiting the Board’s response to this request.  In exploring the “best practices” issue, too, the EESG would appreciate advice and assistance from any residents who are knowledgeable about such issues.

Windows. Another relevant building level issue is the replacement of windows in all residences with up-to-date windows that provide much better insulation and thereby reduce energy use as well as improving comfort.  This would be a major project, and apparently is not scheduled until 2027. In light of the global warming crisis and the major energy-savings window replacement would bring about, the EESG would like to initiate a conversation about accelerating that project, doing it sooner rather than later.  

Join Us. As indicated above, the Esplanade Environmental Study Group would welcome residents, with or without expertise, who would help work on any or all of the “learning” projects mentioned above, or others that you may suggest.   Again, contact Bob Kagan, rak@berkeley.edu