CAI CT - Common Interest Articles Checklist

What Color is Your Condominium?
By Walt Williamsen, PCAM

Did you know that there are “green condominiums;” “green builders and contractors;” and “green realtors?”

Green homes and condominiums incorporate building products and techniques that result in healthier, more energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible living.

Just Google the term “green living” and you will find a boatload of information on the subject of green living.

Products and services featured at recent home and garden shows and the amount of information to be found on the internet concerning recycling, sustainable energy sources, and possible influences on the climate are evidence that the topic is timely and can in many cases greatly impact living costs.

Here are some of the green credentials for green condominiums that were excerpted from the site www.moderngreenliving.com:

It is interesting to note that some newer condominiums are using more man-made materials such as vinyl fencing, metal roofing, and deck materials. (I have no idea what the energy use is to manufacture these products, but they are reportedly long lasting and not harmful to the environment.) Consider the old pressure treated wood deck materials that were treated with arsenic and creosote.

Another interesting observation is that some newer common interest communities are being built with less turf areas in favor of treed lots and more clustered arrangements of buildings. These types of sites require less asphalt, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, etc.

At the home shows, newer siding materials, concrete construction materials, solar heating, and more energy efficient windows and doors were featured.

For the condominiums built in the eighties and nineties, there are opportunities to become “greener” by recycling household waste, replacing wood decks with man-made materials, and probably most significantly – remodeling with new energy efficient doors, windows, and appliances. Also, new energy efficient light bulbs are now available.

Many of the condominiums built in the last 20 or 30 years have worn out or were constructed of “builder quality” doors and windows. Site inspections often reveal thermo-pane windows that have obviously failed and have fogged up. Residents complain of cold drafts during the cold weather. These are all symptoms of costly energy leaks.

For more information on green living, there is an entity called the United States Green Building Council and standards known as Green TM. The Council offers a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for structures that are environmentally responsible and energy efficient.

In any event, and notwithstanding the different positions on the issue of civilization-caused climate changes, it makes sense to become as green as possible to save resources, energy, and money.

Walt Williamsen has vast experience as a property manager. He has been active with CAI-CT for many years, serving as President from 2001-2003. He is currently a member of the CAI-CT Board of Directors and serves as Secretary. Walt is a frequent speaker at CAI-CT seminars and he coordinates our popular Ask the Experts: A Basic Course for Board Members program. Walt is the owner of Condominium Consulting Services, LLC.