Read about PHAs that have had success with Energy Performance Contracts.
Recent Stories
The following Success Stories were a result of projects implemented in the Providence Housing Authority designed to produce energy and energy conservation results.
Providence recently completed an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) with Ameresco. Upon completion of this contract Providence Housing is realizing $ 1.2m in saving on its utility cost. Major components of the EPC are as follows:
- Decentralized the heating distribution system at our Chad Brown development. Project called for the demolition of a Cleaver Brooks steam boiler to decentralized high efficiency condensing boilers.
- Replaced all faucet aerators to low flow, shower heads changed out to low flow devices.
- Replaced all toilets to low flow 1.6 gallons per flush units.
- Replaced 125 non energy star refrigerators with energy star units.
- Converted all fluorescent lighting with electronic ballasts.
- Converted Cleaver Brooks steam boiler from fuel oil to natural gas operation.
- Installed Co-Generation units in our Chad Brown facility which provides electricity for consumption in the facility.
Converted one high rise to all LED lighting, interior and exterior resulting in significant electrical savings.
Replaced the domestic hot water boiler at our Kilmartin high-rise with a high efficiency condensing boiler.
Replaced circulator pumps at our Chad Brown facility with latest TACO Viridian VFD (variable frequency drive) which ramp up and down based upon heat requirement. Estimate 5% to 10% electrical savings.
Upgraded exterior lighting at Chad Brown with LED lighting resulting in a 15% to 20% savings.
Replaced the domestic hot water boiler at our Carroll Tower high rise with a high efficiency condensing boiler.
Completed a weatherization project at our Chad Brown facility which provided attic and basement insulation, bathroom exhaust fans and venting through the ceiling.
Past Stories
The Boston Housing Authority Partners with Ameresco
The Boston Housing Authority (BHA) has announced a partnership with Citizens Conservation Services, an Ameresco company, to maximize savings through integrated water and energy conservation improvements and health upgrades. The project will affect about 5,000 apartments in 15 developments throughout Boston and is expected to yield more than $5 million a year in energy savings.
Buffalo Housing Authority Uses Energy Performance Contract to Replace Heating System
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) entered into an energy performance contract (EPC) with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc, which is projected to save BMHA up to $7 million beyond project repayment costs over the next 12 years. The housing authority installed new natural gas boilers in its 656-unit Kenfield Homes development and undertaken energy upgrades in its 310-unit Langfield Homes.
A physical-needs assessment recommended that BMHA spend over $18 million in capital funds to fix the Kenfield heating system. With over $750,000 in guaranteed annual utility savings from the EPC, an estimated $2.35 million in New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) incentives, and $500,000 from the Western New York Low-Income Energy Efficiency Program, BMHA?s out-of-pocket costs for the improvements were reduced to $6.4 million.
NYSERDA's Assisted Multifamily Program provides a range of technical and financial incentives to low- and moderate-income multifamily residential properties in New York State for capital projects involving energy-efficiency improvements. For more information about the BMHA project, contact Modesto Candelario at (716) 855-6711, mcandelario@bmha.ci.buffalo.ny.us, or Rich Carroll at (770) 279-4818, rich.carroll@siemens.com.
City of Boulder Housing Authority
Through an Energy Performance Contract, the City of Boulder Housing Authority installed energy-efficient lighting at Canyon Pointe, an 82-unit complex for seniors. The project, which cost $11,927, saves nearly $4,000 each year in energy costs.
Louisiana Housing Authority Celebrates Successful Energy Upgrades with Cajun Style
On March 5, 2005, the Housing Authority of the City of New Iberia, LA, and the Water & Energy Savings Corporation (W&ESCO) marked the completion of extensive water and energy conservation improvements with a Cajun Crawfish Boil. Residents of the New Iberia Housing Authority feasted on crawfish, corn, and potatoes and some lively Zydeco music.
Minneapolis Housing Authority Energy-Efficiency Program
The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority (MPHA) used an Energy Performance Contract to rehabilitate the water, sewer, heating, and cooling systems of 40 high-rise developments. During the first 18 months of the program, MPHA saved more than $1 million and anticipates saving approximately $3 million over the 10-year program period.
Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority
Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) has made $6.4 million in energy-efficiency improvements to approximately 821,000 square feet of public housing, resulting in savings of nearly $300,000 annually. Measures include installation of geothermal heat pumps, appliance upgrades, and a complete energy upgrade of a high-rise building. Funding came, in part, from HUD's additional operating subsidy, comprehensive grant funds, and additional operating subsidy energy incentive. In honor of its achievements, SMHA received the 1999 Rebuild America Award for Energy Excellence in Public and Affordable Housing.
Wilmington Housing Authority
Through an Energy Performance Contract, the Wilmington Housing Authority has implemented an energy efficiency project that includes the installation of efficient heat pumps, refrigerators, lighting, toilets, insulation, and thermostats. The project will save an estimated $3.5 million over the length of the 12-year contract. In addition, in recognition of their efforts to conserve energy, residents have been awarded funds to pay for school scholarships, school supplies, emergency hardship funds, and cultural events.