Overview

Facility Strategies Group (FSG) collaborated with Park City Communities (PCC) and PBB Architects on the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) application for the Harborview project in Bridgeport, CT, a 13-floor building with 240 dwelling units that will be undergoing gut rehab to improve building performance an energy efficiency. FSG's main scope was to develop an Energy Conservation Plan and build an energy model to demonstrate compliance with CHFA's energy savings criteria.

The new design features several energy efficiency upgrades, new cold-climate window heat pumps for heating and cooling to replace the existing natural gas boiler system and window AC units, new windows, and insulation. Heat for domestic hot water (DHW) will utilize an innovative design that captures waste heat from a fuel cell.

FSG will also be working with PCC during design and construction to ensure that the prescriptive requirements for Energy Star Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC) are met, which is required by CHFA for financing eligibility. FSG will also assist PCC in going one step further and actually achieving the ESMFNC certification. FSG’s roll during design will be to review drawings and submit the necessary documents. During and after construction FSG will perform the necessary field inspections and testing and submit documentation to achieve the ESMFNC certification.

Analysis

As part of the requirements for CHFA funding, FSG modelled the existing and proposed building conditions using eQuest energy modelling software. The resulting model demonstrated a 30% reduction in energy usage, exceeding the CHFA application threshold of 20%. This achievement showcased the project's strong alignment with energy efficiency standards and reinforced its eligibility for financing under CHFA guidelines.

During design development, FSG prepared the Energy Conservation Plan including supporting documentation, narratives, and calculations for the CHFA LIHTC funding application. This included energy use benchmarking analysis and modeling. The design team provided FSG with information required for CHFA sections regarding a selected green building certification program; application of renewables, electrification and resiliency; operations and resiliency; and sustainable development and digital literacy, if not otherwise included in the drawings and specifications. Using this information, FSG then estimated the rebates the project was eligible to capture and provided them for use in the Energy Conservation Plan.

FSG completed a review of the preliminary design documents to verify E-Star/HERS certification requirements were included. The review included compartmentalization, thermal and air barrier checklist items, and support requirements regarding inspections, testing, and commissioning.