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Hawthorne Housing Co-operative: A More Sustainable Future
What is Hawthorne Housing Co-operative thinking? Many co-ops would view its healthy condition with envy and look for no further improvement. Yet, with the end of its extended operating agreement in view, Hawthorne (Surrey, BC) is preparing itself for a sustainable future.
On the whole, the 59-unit
Eileen Tallman’s New Adventure in Sustainability
Eileen Tallman Co-operative Homes is a stable housing community in Ottawa’s mid-western suburbs. Moderate and mid-range in many ways, this co-op was part of the dramatic expansion that took place in co-operative housing between 1979 and 1984. Like many co-ops of that period, it has 60 units of
Savings through Sustainable Changes
Co-ops have many reasons for wanting to be more sustainable. Some members like the idea of helping to combat global warming by wasting fewer resources. Others take pride in knowing that their co-operative is a good corporate citizen and a credit to the movement. Still others just want to lead a
How can an energy retrofit help my co-op do more with less?
Maybe you’re looking to lower your co-op’s energy bills by installing a new high-efficiency boiler or replacing those drafty old windows. The question becomes “Is this the best investment for our co-op?”
Co-ops take different approaches to energy retrofits. Some do one project at a time, perhaps by
FCM: Sustainable Affordable Housing Fund
On May 15, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) launched a $300 million fund to support sustainable affordable housing. This fund will help pay for the planning and delivery of retrofits and new construction for higher energy performance.
Here’s what we know so far from FCM….
The Green
Fill Your Units
You can never get back the money you lose when a unit stands empty. Whenever a member gives notice, it’s important to get the word out, which is usually the responsibility of the manager. As soon as a prospect gets in touch, your co-op needs to follow up promptly. Otherwise, they will go elsewhere.
Tip of the Month
Plans in Action
The average co-op with an approved capital replacement plan tucks away more than $3,600 per unit in reserves each year--triple the 2007 amount. Does their future hold better windows? New kitchens? Savings mean more choices.