EP 7 — GreenT Climate Software’s Mary Nitschke On Transforming Multi-family Sustainability

In this episode of The Future of CRE Sustainability, Sean speaks with Mary Nitschke, Chief Sustainability Officer at GreenT Climate Software. In their conversation, Mary shares her expertise on sustainability in multi-family properties. She discusses the unique challenges of utility management, emphasizing the importance of data analytics and technology in optimizing energy consumption. 

 

Mary also highlights the impact of building performance standards and the need for proactive compliance to avoid costly fines. Additionally, she explores the significance of tenant engagement and education in driving sustainable practices within communities. 

 

Topics discussed:

• The unique challenges of multi-family properties in sustainability, including multiple energy meters and the complexity of tenant engagement for effective resource management. 
• The role of technology in capturing utility consumption data, enabling property managers to make informed decisions that drive sustainability initiatives and reduce costs.
• The importance of building performance standards (BPS) and how compliance can significantly impact financial performance and operational efficiency in commercial real estate.
• Strategies for engaging residents and property teams in sustainability efforts, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for resource conservation.
• The emerging trend of viewing utility costs as controllable expenses, encouraging property managers to actively manage and reduce consumption.
• Insights on the impact of regulations and incentives related to sustainability, highlighting the need for property owners to stay informed and proactive.
• The potential of AI and data analytics to model building performance and identify areas for improvement in energy efficiency and sustainability.
• The significance of tenant education in promoting sustainable practices, ensuring residents understand their role in reducing energy and water consumption.
• The benefits of integrating renewable energy solutions, such as solar and battery storage, to enhance sustainability and resilience in multi-family properties.
• The connection between sustainability initiatives and financial performance, demonstrating how efficient properties can command higher rents and attract investment.