(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of RealEstateFlorida.)

BOCA RATON, FL-American Water & Energy Savers, a companybased here that has specialized in water conservation for over 20years, has partnered with Power Buyer Green, operated by GEMSA LoanServices, LP, and Grant Capital Management to offer conservationsolutions for retrofitting existing multifamily buildings of 100units or more. The changes implemented by the program are to reducethe consumption of water between 35% and 45%. The program willoffer "off the balance sheet financing," which would allow propertyowners to implement conservation methods and pay AWES back withwater and sewer savings generated by the completed projects.

"With water and sewer costs escalating at unprecedented rates,owners of multifamily properties need to find ways to manage theirutility costs more effectively," says Michael Sloup, president andCEO of AWES. "Today, the majority of toilet rebate programsavailable are geared towards single-family housing, making itdifficult for property owners without cash resources. Funds beingmade available by our program provide a solution for these ownersto retrofit their properties."