Starting in the spring of 2006, every apartment building owned by the University will undergo an inspection and a detailed energy audit.

The comprehensive inspection is the result of Columbia’s participation in the Residential Technical Assistance Program (ResTech), under the umbrella of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. ResTech works with owners of multifamily buildings on energy audits, recommendations and financing to implement audit recommendations. Dorms aren’t eligible for the program.

Columbia is now in ResTech’s stage 2, a prelimary review.

The audit will deal with energy efficiency in areas including heating, air conditioning, ventilation, appliances, insulation and health and safety.  In the past five years, the University has realized a return of about a million dollars from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for energy studies and programs done under their auspices.