2.  Steven Gouletas, CEO of property management
group National Rental Services, oversees all
company strategic planning and management
decisions. Also owner and managing member of
Dublin 1 Investments' Abby Glenn Apartments, Steven
Gouletas has taught financial management for the
National Apartment Association's Chicago chapter.
One of a property manager's most important and
challenging jobs is the balancing of cost mitigation
with high-level tenant service. Fortunately, the current
culture of environmental responsibility and
sustainable living has presented managers with
effective ways to cut costs while earning the respect
of tenants.

3.  A manager can begin by performing or
ordering a property audit that identifies sources
of energy inefficiency. For many properties,
saving money on energy is as simple as finding
energy leaks in windows or identifying
outdated light bulbs that are easily
replaceable with compact fluorescent or LED
models.
A few of the ways National Rental Services has
helped save energy and water at properties it
manages is the installation of water saving
shower heads, aerators for sinks, and water
displacers for toilets.

4.  Wrapping water heaters with insulation has also helped
save energy. Slow grow grass in some areas of the country
can save water, fertilizers and gas when mowing.
Managers may also choose to install an advanced
metering system which can track unit-specific energy
usage. These tools let managers identify the source of
energy costs, while also permitting billing for actual use. To
reduce actual use at the property level, energy experts
recommend that property managers participate in
regional demand response programs where available.
These programs provide financial incentives for reducing
energy use during high-demand periods and instead
running equipment when demand is lowest.