Energy Retrofits for Affordable Multi- family Housing July 27, 2010 NHC Webinar Energy Retrofits for Affordable Multi- family Housing July 27, 2010 NHC Webinar

Agenda 1. Introduction of CNT and CNT Energy Savers 2. How does it work from the building owners point of view? 3. How does it work from the implementing agencies point of view? 4. Energy Audits and Retrofits 5. Challenges

Energy Savers Goal: Reduce operating costs in multi family affordable rental housing in the Chicago metro region Started in 2008 Came out of Preservation Compact Building Owners identified energy costs as a threat Based on old program Built on existing partnerships

Why an Energy Audit?-Regional Concerns 70% of Chicago’s CO2 comes from buildings, 50% from residential buildings Midwest imports 90% of its natural gas Natural gas bills in Midwest four times US average

Cost of heating in a 38- unit building

Combines technical services including energy audits, construction management and financing low-interest revolving loan fund (2.5%) Targets multi-family building owners in both the private & subsidized markets Current annual productivity is 3,500 units, in the process of scale-up, 13,000 units of housing audited Measures the impact of energy efficiency on affordability and housing preservation Progress

The Owner’s Point of View

Energy Savers Program Eligibility for rental buildings with 5 or more units 1.Building energy assessments (at no cost to owner) 2.Financing options: low-interest loans and some grants 3.Construction oversight and bid package review 4.Annual energy performance reports

Energy Audit Fig. Natural gas EUI of your building and other Energy Savers participants 136 ▼ 1.Analyze fuel bills-Patterns and Energy Use Intensity (EUI): energy usage/square footage 2.Interview occupants/operators 3.Visual inspection 4. Instrumented Analysis: infrared thermography, thermometer, blower door 5. Modeling/common sense 6. Final report w/ recommendations 7. Follow up…

Construction Management High quality installation makes a difference

Assemble Financing Package About 50% of owners self-finance About 50% take advantage of low-interest loan Standard second mortgage, underwriting takes energy savings into account 2.5 – 3% loan, variable term, average of 7 years.

Monitor Building Performance 26%

Financial Institution –Establish a revolving loan fund –Can combine with grant sources –Can combine with rehab –Can combine with acquisition –Creates a more flexible program Technical Assistance –Provides information that allows owners to make smart investments –Assures quality installation –Monitors the building post retrofit to assure savings, and encourage additional investment and/or maintenance

How do you fund this Utility energy efficiency programs over the long term Housing preservation funds Foundation support for start-up EECBG opportunities for capitalizing loan fund Weatherization funds

Some Challenges High cost of transaction as compared to the investment High Quality Customer Service to reduce owner’s time investment Subsidize transaction costs Aligning the goals of cost-effective energy efficiency and housing preservation and rehab

Infrared Thermography Tells you what the surface temperature is: applicable to assess existing insulation, pipes in chases, air leakage in tandem with blower door test, etc. Quantitative value limited.

Post retrofit pt. I Cost of Improvements: Air Sealing and Insulation Roof Cavity :$12,400 Replace old converted coal Boiler: $26,000 Savings: $8,890/year (30% reduction in gas bills) Payback 4.5 years

Post-retrofit pt. II Outdoor reset control: Cost: $2,500 Yearly savings: $9,000…? Payback: 3 Months…

Very old basement door

Extremely Variable Field Conditions

Contact Information Peter Ludwig Energy Efficiency Programs Manager CNT Energy 2125 W North Avenue, Chicago Phone 773/