With the addition of 25 new multifamily affordable housing properties involving nearly 2,000 units, ACE is opening the second phase of its energy efficiency and water conservation project with Mercy Housing. As a result, ACE has now funded 37 Mercy Housing properties. The 12-property Phase 1 construction was completed in 2017.
“We’re making good progress on the energy and water retrofitting of our California affordable housing portfolio,” reports Caitlin Rood, Mercy Housing’s National Environmental Sustainability Director. “And, we’re now beginning to see the savings in the utility bills from our Phase 1 properties where sustainability measures have been completed.”
Phase 2 is expected to cost nearly $1.8 million, almost half of which is subsidized by various California utility companies. ACE continues to work with Reinvestment Fund to finance the remainder of the costs.
Bright Power Designs Sustainability Measures
As ACE’s partner, Bright Power continues to analyze, design, construct, manage and measure the environmental improvements for the project. Depending on the property, Phase 2 improvements include:
• Upgraded Common Area Lighting
• Domestic Hot Water Recirculation Flow Control
• New Laundry Appliances
• Water-Efficient Toilets in Bathrooms
• Low-Flow Sink Aerators and Showerheads in Bathrooms
• Heating Controller for Boiler
• Upgraded Apartment Lighting
According to Andy McNamara, Bright Power’s VP Western Region, “We’re hoping to uncover additional improvements for even more savings as ongoing utility usage is tracked and analyzed.”
Significant Impact Expected
Anticipated utility savings from Phase 2 properties in year 1 alone are more than $300,000. Energy accounts for $200,000 of the savings, while the remaining $100,000 comes from water savings.
Phase 2 construction is already well underway. Retrofit measures are in place at a number of properties. The remaining Phase 2 properties are scheduled to be completed by February, 2019. ACE anticipates that the remaining 40 to 50 Mercy Housing properties will roll out over two more phases. Construction for the entire project is expected to be completed by year-end 2019.
Mercy Housing www.mercyhousing.org is one of the nation’s largest affordable housing organizations with work spanning 41 states. They participate in the development, preservation, management and/or financing of affordable, program-enriched housing across the country. Mercy Housing serves a variety of populations with housing projects for low-income families, seniors and people with special needs.
ACE www.affordablecommunityenergyservices.com is a mission-driven, for-profit social enterprise. ACE brings broad-based energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy improvements to the vastly under-served owners and residents of affordable housing. For more information, contact Dan Greenberger at dan@affordablecommunityenergyservices.com
Bright Power www.brightpower.com is an energy management firm specializing in multifamily buildings. Bright Power’s energy management solutions include EnergyScoreCards benchmarking software, energy audits, energy procurement, onsite generation, green building design services, turnkey installation of energy improvements, commissioning services, incentive program administration and ongoing energy management.
Reinvestment Fund www.reinvestment.com is a catalyst for change in low-income communities. They integrate data, policy and strategic investments to improve the quality of life in low-income neighborhoods. Using analytical and financial tools, they bring high-quality grocery stores, affordable housing, schools and health centers to the communities that need better access—creating anchors that attract investment over the long term and help families lead healthier, more productive lives.
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