THE URBAN HORIZONS RETROFIT

By retrofitting Urban Horizons – a very old, large, multi-use building in the South Bronx – WHEDco is creating a replicable model on a local, regional and national stage. WHEDco demonstrates how retrofits can result in substantial, long-term savings, while improving health conditions and conserving energy.

Our current 2011 retrofit will reduce energy and water/sewer bills by an estimated $164,448 in the first year, which corresponds to 28.1% of the current building energy and water/sewer annual expenses.

WHEDco’s 2007 retrofit measures have already cut tenants’ electricity usage by 12.9%. Electricity bills are down 6.1%, while bills citywide are up 8.2%.

The 2007 Retrofit

WHEDco hired a leading environmental consultant firm to conduct a thorough energy audit and retrofit plan to reduce energy costs for both the building and our low-income tenants. We implemented important, yet relatively inexpensive, elements, including:

• Upgraded appliances to Energy Star models
• Installed 2.5 gallon per minute low-flow showerheads and 1.5 gallon per minute faucet aerators
• Installed compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and bi-level lighting with motion sensors in stairwells
  
• Upgraded 138 exit signs with 5 Watts LED models
• Air-sealed exterior doors, all walls, roof, basement and ceiling penetrations and weather stripped entrances

Beyond the “low-hanging fruit” capital improvements already made, WHEDco will implement equipment improvements and systems upgrades that include:

• Installing a combined heat and power system (CHP or co-generator) to generate electricity on-site while recovering thermal energy to be used to heat Domestic Hot Water
• Installing high efficiency boilers (87% thermal efficiency) for heating.
  
• Installing premium efficiency motors and controls on all heating circulating pumps (heating system upgrade)
• Installing indirect fired tanks for Domestic Hot Water
• Installing Constant Air Regulator (CAR) dampers (ventilation system upgrade) and map, clean and seal complex ventilation duct system air leaks to improve indoor air quality and lower costs
• Replacing outdated toilets with 1.6 gallon per flush, flapper-less models