Sometimes innovation takes on unexpected forms. Bellwether's Property Management team has introduced innovation in the shape of new low-flow toilets, LED lights, and more modern boilers paired with smart thermostats. These energy efficiency improvements were made possible by Bellwether’s participation in the Renew Program for multi-family affordable housing communities, an initiative of the national organization Emerald Cities.

“Historically Bellwether has done a pretty good job in terms of doing energy upgrades, the problem is they’re done kind of piecemeal for individual buildings,” said Bellwether’s Senior Facilities Supervisor, Marty Gleaves. That’s where Renew came in; the program helped Bellwether obtain low-interest loans, allowing Bellwether to make building-wide improvement at five properties this year. Five more properties are slated for energy-savings studies later this year, for upgrades to be made in 2018.

The improvements at the properties have focused on water, gas, and electrical systems. The First and Vine Apartments had new LED lighting installed in all of its hallways and every apartment had smart, programmable thermostats installed. Similar thermostats were installed at Meridian Manor, and Cascade Court received a new boiler and better in-unit ventilation. The Graham Terry apartments had all new toilets installed in residents’ bathrooms, which has already led to huge savings of both water and money.

“[With] the changes we are making, like LED lighting, we go from lighting that has to be maintained on an annual basis to lighting that can go five years without anyone ever touching it, so we reduce maintenance cost and extend the life of the equipment. This is all about sustainability,” said Gleaves.

In addition to the monetary pay-offs associated with energy efficiency, such as a reduced water bill for Bellwether and reduced gas or electric heating bills for residents, participating in the Renew program has other benefits, too. The upgrades Bellwether has made reduce our buildings’ carbon footprint and draw on natural resources. Together, these two benefits will help Bellwether sustain our buildings for the long run, so the resource is there for future Seattleites.

“Sustainability means that we have the opportunity, the money and the wherewithal to provide more housing to more people,” Gleaves said. 

In December of 2016, Bellwether hired Rafn Company and began significant renovation work at Security House and the Cambridge Apartments. This supports our strategic goal of ensuring Bellwether buildings are in exemplary condition and financially sustainable, and provide positive environments for residents.

Built in 1978, Security House boasts 107 one-bedroom units for seniors in the thriving Belltown neighborhood. To date, new energy efficient LED light fixtures have been installed throughout the building. In the bathrooms, energy efficient ventilation fans and baseboard heaters have been installed. Kitchens received more energy efficient vent fans, too. To conserve water, sinks and showerheads with aerators have been installed. Rafn relocated the nurse call alarms to be more accessible to residents and added a second handrail to the hallway. Rafn has repaired or replaced water piping throughout the building. To make it easier for the senior residents to enter and exit the building, Bellwether will install automatic door openers. The renovations should wrap up this summer.

The Cambridge, a lovely 10-story turn-of-the-century brick building on First Hill offering 152 large studio and 1 bedroom units, has been undergoing excavation work below the building in order to make the building seismically sound in the event of an earthquake. New footings will be poured and rebar installed. The building will also receive significant upgrades to the plumbing and heating systems, elevators and the fire safety system. This project will take two years to complete and is on schedule.