2007 Sept
2007 Sept Vol. 5, No. 9
Focus on...Energy Conservation
Understanding U.S. Green Building Standards
It seems that suddenly, everyone's talking about green buildings and green construction. But it's really not a new concept. Back in the 1970s and '80s, after the energy crisis made us all aware of the high cost of electricity, energy-efficient building technology, such as compact fluorescent lights, energy-efficient lighting ballasts and air conditioners that cycled on and off, came into being. Still, the original focus was on office buildings and institutions such as universities and hospitals, not homes. Read More
What Happens to Material When You Recycle
Every year thousands of tons of paper, metal and glass are recycled in New Jersey—and not just on behalf of state residents. The detritus gets broken down and turned into hundreds of "post-consumer" products, then re-sold and re-used, and the process begins all over again. The demand for recycled materials is growing in leaps and bounds, and the economics are becoming as compelling as the environmental concerns. From the recycling bin to the store shelf, these materials are forming a closed loop that takes some of the strain off of our energy production and natural resource harvest. Read More
Winterizing Your HOA Grounds
Some people say winters in the northeast are not as harsh as they used to be, due to global warming. But experience tells us that winters in New Jersey can still be dangerous, with freezing temperatures and precipitation. Such cold weather can give a homeowner association's property a beating. Landscaping can be devastated by harsh winter conditions, as can kids' playground structures and other amenities that are in the care of an association's board. Read More
Associations Can "Reasonably" Restrict Rights
Are homeowner association's governmental or quasi-governmental entities? Until last year, most attorneys who practice community association law would have said the answer was clearly, and appropriately, no. But a New Jersey appeals court called that long-standing assumption into question when it decided that a community association, in fact, plays the role of a municipal government, and its rules and regulations must, therefore, pass constitutional muster. Read More
Tips for Board Members and Residents
These days, it seems like nearly everyone is making a move toward being more environmentally friendly. So-called "green" architecture, products and tips are everywhere. While many of these moves toward green living require the help of a professional, there are steps board members, resident owners and shareholders can take on themselves to save energy and lower costs. Read More
The Way for HOAs to Go Green
There is little doubt that what started as a green building trend, with all of its energy efficiency measures and renewable energy options, has evolved into a rational way to add value to your property. In fact a recent Roper survey showed that "two-thirds of Americans are willing to pay a premium for homes that have solar power systems installed when told that solar homes have a proven higher resale value." Read More
