Energy Management System for Affordable Housing
The Verdant energy management system gives affordable housing operators centralized visibility and remote HVAC control across every unit, with no recurring fees. Available with or without occupancy detection.
Lower Operating Costs on Income-Restricted Properties
Affordable housing rents are capped by income eligibility limits, so reducing operating expenses is one of the most direct ways to protect and increase NOI. For master-metered affordable housing properties, every hour an HVAC system runs in an unoccupied unit increases owner-paid utility costs. Verdant minimizes that waste by optimizing HVAC operation in vacant units, delivering savings under both master-metered and individually metered setups.
Master-Metered Properties
The owner pays for the energy used in every unit.
- Energy savings reduce owner operating expenses
- Occupancy detection sets back temperatures when units are unoccupied
- Vacant mode reduces energy consumption in unleased units
Individually Metered Properties
Residents pay for the energy used in their own unit.
- Lower utility bills for income-eligible residents
- Remote monitoring and maintenance alerts for operators
- Vacant mode cuts owner-paid energy between residents
Why Affordable Housing Operators Choose Verdant
- 01
Lower Owner-Paid Energy Costs
In master-metered buildings, reduced HVAC runtime lowers the owner’s energy bill directly.
- 02
Up to 45% Reduction in HVAC Runtime*
Lower energy use across every unit on the property.
- 03
No Recurring or Hidden Fees
One-time cost, no subscriptions or other hidden fees added later.
- 04
Full Remote Control & Visibility
Monitor and adjust every thermostat across your portfolio from a single, centralized platform.
- 05
Preventative HVAC Maintenance Alerts
Real-time alerts when a unit shows signs of underperformance, before it becomes a costly repair.
- 06
BACnet & Open API Compatible
Integrates with BACnet and other building systems through Verdant’s open API.
With or Without Occupancy Detection
Both options connect to Verdant Thermostat Manager. Occupancy detection adds automatic setbacks in unoccupied units, which delivers the most value where the owner pays the energy bill.
| Feature | With Occupancy DetectionRecommended for master-metered | Without Occupancy Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Remote monitoring and control in Verdant Thermostat Manager | ||
| Resident temperature control | ||
| Preventative maintenance alerts | ||
| Vacant mode for empty units | ||
| Detects motion and body heat | ||
| Automatic setbacks in unoccupied units | ||
| Resident temperature restored on return |
Less Energy in Empty Units, Comfort When Residents Return
On thermostats with occupancy detection, Verdant adjusts temperatures within configured limits when units are unoccupied.
- 1Detect
Advanced Occupancy Detection
Scans for movement and body heat to identify when a unit is unoccupied.
- 2Set Back
Setpoint Limits
Lets unoccupied unit temperatures drift within predefined thresholds and prevents residents from setting temperatures above or below predefined limits.
- 3Recover
Dynamic Recovery Time
Restores each resident’s chosen temperature within a predefined time period.
One Platform for Operators and Residents
Operators manage the property from one dashboard. Residents control their own unit from the app.
Verdant Thermostat Manager
Manage units, floors, and properties from one dashboard on desktop, iOS, and Android.
Interactive Floor Plans
Locate every unit and group rooms by floor.
Bulk Updates
Apply setpoints and energy profiles to multiple units or floors at once.
Performance Dashboard
Track ROI, total savings, and payback period for one or multiple properties.
Vacant Unit Savings
Maximize energy savings when units are vacant.
Resident Access
Add and remove residents easily from the backend platform.
Resident App
Give residents full remote control of their unit’s thermostat.
Temperature Control
Residents adjust their unit temperature from anywhere, anytime.
Programmable Scheduling
Up to 6 configurable periods, or smart mode to save automatically when away.
Vacation Mode
Temperature setback applies each time the unit is empty.
Energy Savings Tracking
Residents track their estimated monthly energy savings.
Connects With Your Building Systems
Verdant integrates with building systems, property technology, and utility programs to extend savings beyond the thermostat.
Demand Response
Participate in demand response programs to save more on energy bills.
Learn more about demand responsePeak Load Management
Manage peak load across the property to reduce demand charges.
Learn more about peak demandOpen API
Connect PMS software, door locks, lighting, and other IoT devices through the Verdant API.
BACnet & BMS
Integrate with BACnet and broader building management systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does an energy management system reduce operating costs in affordable housing?
Affordable housing rents are capped by income eligibility limits, so reducing operating expenses is one of the most direct ways to protect and increase NOI. The Verdant energy management system reduces HVAC runtime by up to 45%, gives operators remote control of every thermostat, and sends preventative maintenance alerts before HVAC issues become costly repairs.
Why does occupancy detection matter in master-metered buildings?
In master-metered buildings, the owner pays for the energy used in every unit. Verdant thermostats with occupancy detection automatically set back temperatures when units are unoccupied, so energy is not spent heating or cooling empty space. The resident’s preferred temperature is restored when they return.
Does Verdant work in individually metered affordable housing?
Yes. In individually metered or sub-metered properties, reduced HVAC runtime lowers resident utility bills, while operators keep centralized visibility, remote control, and maintenance alerts across the property.
Can I get Verdant thermostats without occupancy detection?
Yes. Verdant offers thermostats with and without occupancy detection. Both options connect to Verdant Thermostat Manager for centralized visibility and remote HVAC control. Thermostats with occupancy detection add automatic temperature setbacks when units are unoccupied.
Does Verdant charge recurring fees?
No. Verdant is a one-time cost, with no subscriptions or other hidden fees added later.
How do I get started with Verdant for my affordable housing property?
Book a web demo to get started. Verdant energy experts assess your needs, building type, metering setup, and HVAC equipment to recommend the right technology. Once installed, the system provides centralized heating and cooling management through a cloud-based management portal.
*Runtime reduction is calculated by comparing operation time data for a North American sample of Verdant occupancy-sensing setbacks against traditional thermostat settings with no setbacks. Reductions may vary based on equipment type and condition, insulation, climate, and temperature adjustment size and frequency.