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Re: [Phys-l] SOLAR , NUCLEAR ENERGY etc.



Yes, that solution (building codes) is buried in all the messages of this thread. I would think though, that another key is to apply those codes to any level of remodeling that requires a building permit. One of the realities of the way apartment complexes are built today, is that after about 20 years they start to become pretty shabby. The landlord (probably a company at this point, and probably not the one that built the apartments) who wants to continue renting these apartments, especially if they want to hike the rents, will most likely have to do some major remodeling at about the 20 year point. [I've seen this occurring in several complexes in this area.] Retrofitting such units for better insulation may not be easy. Wall and ceiling insulation was probably installed originally (since the 70s at least). Windows and the ubiquitous 'patio doors' are major problems but also major costs to significantly upgrade. Most of these units are setup for individual utilities and going to something like individual geothermal heat pumps might not be possible with the physical layouts. In the end, retrofitting (home and apartments) for significant energy savings can be a difficult and costly process.

There is, of course, a difference between big city apartments(whose dwellers often expect to ALWAYS rent and whose apartments might be more substantially built--but likely to be switched to condos at some point) and stick built apartment complexes in suburban and small city venues. Also--for the benefit of our coastal members, here in the Midwest, 2-3 bedroom apartments, with off street parking, often car ports, occasionally garages, rent in the $500-$1200 a month range. The top of that range being large and fairly 'luxurious' units. ;-)



----- Original Message ----- From: "kyle forinash" <kforinas@ius.edu>


Hi

The other part of this is the builder, who in many cases also has little
incentive to spend more money to make a building more energy efficient
(this only makes the captial cost of the building higher- the builder
has no investment in operational costs). They are trying to build for
the lowest cost which may mean cutting some corners. There are building
regulations; I suppose those could be make tighter to level the playing
field so competitors making bids have to build the same level of efficiency.

kyle