Resident engagement to reduce energy consumption and improve tenant satisfaction
The Rose, an ultra-sustainable apartment complex located in Minneapolis, MN, wasn’t performing as expected. The mixed-income housing community was designed for efficiency, affordability, and healthy living, but the utility bills were much higher than expected. Through focus groups and interviews with residents, many of whom were Somali refugees, IBE came to understand how and why residents were using energy. Based on what we learned, IBE developed a community-specific and culturally relevant resident engagement program that included events, energy reports, educational videos, and other communication collateral.
Key Outcomes
- Reduced energy and water consumption
- Increased resident satisfaction
- Improved connection between residents and on-site maintenance staff
- Organizational learning to improve future projects and inform operations across Aeon’s portfolio of affordable housing properties
Project Deliverables
- Video highlighting the sustainability features of The Rose and the ways residents could engage in healthy and sustainable behaviors
- Usage reports detailing resident water and electricity use
- Special resident events with energy training materials for parents and children