At Eighteen Capital Group, one of our most important principles is to ensure that managed properties benefit from added value components, such as integrating cutting-edge “green” technologies into the mix. For example, green-retrofit utility expense reduction and other efficiencies are key elements of the 18CG experience.

Why go green?

Many people believe that “green” simply means reducing our carbon footprint by using alternative sources of clean energy, such as wind or solar-generated power.  However, green technologies can be applied to almost all areas of our daily lives and the benefits of using them extend far beyond responsible stewardship of our planet’s natural resources and protecting the environment.

Although it sounds complicated, green retrofitting is essentially just taking what you already have and making it more efficient and more cost effective. The process is relatively new, but the number of consumers and businesses implementing it is expanding rapidly.

The process involves renovating commercial and residential properties and upgrading/greening basic systems to produce more efficient water use, better lighting, and better heating and cooling systems.  These new technologies are not only more efficient, but more cost effective. In commercial buildings, they not only save money, but improve the work environment and therefore increase both the morale and productivity of employees. The same holds true at residential properties, where residents benefit by saving money on monthly utility costs.  This is what I call a win-win – a win for the environment and a win for businesses and consumers.

In California, a state that is challenged by serious droughts and other environmental issues, new water technologies are helping to reduce chronic water shortages by processing water more efficiently.  The improved efficiency increases the volume of re-usable water and reduces the time it takes to process and reintroduce that water into the available distribution matrix. In a state like California, that has significant implications for the entire population.

The skyrocketing financial costs and long-term environmental damage associated with relying exclusively on limited supplies of fossil fuels are no longer in doubt.  More and more, fossil fuels are being replaced by natural energy sources that do not damage the environment and reduce costs.

Green retrofitting is the next step in this process of energy evolution, cutting down on waste and pollution, reducing costs and allowing all of us to contribute a more healthy environment.

~ Scott Asner Kansas City, Missouri