10 Practical Ways to Green Your Building: A Print 'Em Out Checklist

His tips, complete with links to articles that can instruct you on practical implementation:

1. Conduct an energy audit of your community with the assistance of a qualified professional or of agencies like NYSERDA, to identify additional ways to save energy and money for your association.

2. Replace routine paper mailings with e-mail communication.

3. Develop a community website for access to association documents and announcements.

4. Choose products made from sustainable materials for projects such as roof, siding, and deck replacement and for individual homeowners' use.

5. Reduce water consumption with rain sensors and flow meters.

6. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for common area lighting.

7. Upgrade older systems such as those used for heating, cooling and laundry to more cost-effective, energy efficient models.

8. Outline preferred locations for solar energy devices and other energy saving devices like retractable window awnings.

9. Consider installing a green roof, with vegetation that provides natural cooling and insulation, absorbs carbon monoxide and releases oxygen

10. Experiment with a green cleaning product. If it works to your satisfaction, try another.

John R. Math, owner of Associated Property Management , is a Florida real estate veteran with more than 35 years experience in community-association management. This checklist is adapted and expanded from his article " 10 Things a Community Association Can Do to Go Green & Make a Difference ," in the APM News Express online newsletter.