Investment Grade Energy Audit

New York City Housing Authority

FSG Role

  • Consulting Engineer

Organization Type

  • Public Housing Authority

Timing

  • Audit Completed January 2023

  • Construction Pending

Construction Cost

  • $17,500,000

Estimated Annual Savings

  • $1,700,000

Building Type

  • High-Rise Multifamily Housing

Size

  • 12 developments

  • 16 buildings

  • 2,461 dwelling units

Existing Conditions

  • Natural Gas Boilers & Purchased Steam Heating Systems

  • Instantaneous steam DHW

  • Fluorescent Lighting

  • Standard Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures

A tall brick apartment building with many windows, some with open blinds. In front, there are leafless trees, parked cars, and a sidewalk. The sky is partly cloudy.

Overview

Facility Solutions Group (FSG) conducted an Investment Grade Energy Audit (IGEA) for 12 developments within the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Public Housing portfolio. The portfolio includes 16 buildings and a total of 2,461 dwelling units, most of which are heated by steam purchased from ConEdison. The audit aimed to identify potential energy efficiency measures as well as renewable energy opportunities, paving the way for a future Energy Performance Contract (EPC). The audit was performed in several distinct phases, each essential to delivering a comprehensive energy assessment:

1. Due Diligence Phase

FSG began by reviewing available documentation, including construction drawings and utility data, to familiarize themselves with the buildings, systems, layouts, and characteristics. This phase was crucial for developing a tailored energy audit plan that aligned with the specific needs of the developments.

2. Site Inspections

Detailed site inspections followed to identify energy conservation measures (ECMs) and assess the condition of the properties. The inspections included:

  • Sampling 5% of apartments and 100% of all common areas, basements, mechanical spaces, and building exteriors.

  • Surveying lighting, water fixtures, appliances, and ventilation systems.

  • Collecting apartment temperature data over multi-week periods via logging devices.

  • Measuring water flow for fixtures such as aerators, showerheads, and toilets.

  • Testing ventilation airflow rates at each exhaust grill in sampled units, along with assessing moisture issues and potential mold and mildew.

3. Analysis

During the analysis phase, FSG reviewed and processed utility data, including three years of utility data, to establish baseline energy usage. This analysis helped identify potential energy savings and assisted in the creation of an energy consumption model. FSG created building energy models using eQuest, calibrated to the existing energy consumption baselines, to simulate the effect of energy efficiency measures including temperature controls and electrification technologies. The analysis also covered:

  • Lighting: A line-by-line review of lighting systems across all common areas, apartments, and exteriors to assess potential savings from fixture upgrades.

  • Water Efficiency: Calculations based on site fixture measurements to determine potential savings from lower-flow fixtures.

  • Heating and Domestic Hot Water Systems: A thorough review of heating systems, including the feasibility of electrifying the systems. FSG assessed the condition of steam traps and potential savings for replacements, as well as pipe insulation savings.

4. Renewable Energy Evaluation

FSG identified suitable rooftop areas for photovoltaic (solar) systems, assessing the potential for renewable energy generation as part of the overall energy-saving strategy.

For each energy conservation measure, FSG provided a detailed preliminary scope of work and performed a costing analysis using various data sources, including RSMeans construction costs and competitive bids from similar projects. These financial projections allowed NYCHA to evaluate the potential return on investment (ROI) for each measure and informed the preparation of cash flow and financing projections.

FSG also developed a comprehensive report summarizing the findings and potential savings for each ECM, formatted according to HUD's standards. This was crucial for NYCHA to move forward with the eventual EPC submission for HUD review.

Next Steps

FSG is currently working with NYCHA to finalize the package of energy-saving measures and move towards the next phase of design. The findings from the Investment Grade Energy Audit are serving as a foundation for the eventual EPC project submission, which will include a detailed implementation plan for energy efficiency measures and upgrades. The project is currently in the design phase in preparation for the EPC project submission to HUD.

Impact

This Investment Grade Energy Audit has set the stage for NYCHA to undertake significant energy efficiency improvements across its Public Housing portfolio. The project not only targets immediate energy savings but also lays the groundwork for the long-term sustainability of these developments through the integration of renewable energy solutions and the electrification of heating and hot water systems.

This project highlights FSG's expertise in conducting detailed energy audits and delivering tailored solutions that align with the specific needs of public housing authorities, paving the way for improved energy performance, reduced operating costs, and enhanced environmental sustainability.