new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 Achieving Sustainable Rehabilitation Lauren Baumann Senior Associate New Ecology, Inc. Cambridge, MA The Role of Retrofits and Strategies for Reducing Energy Use in Existing Affordable Housing Green Homes and Sustainable Communities July 19, 2007

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits/Rehabilitations They are merging areas on the spectrum of existing building improvement Retrofit Rehabilitation * Extensive Retrofit versus Slight Rehabilitation?

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits/Rehabilitations Why are Retrofits and Rehabilitations Important? Environmental Impacts –Using existing structures saves natural resources –Using existing structures prevents green space development –Provides an opportunity for remediation of polluted sites –Existing structures are generally in proximity of amenities –Improvements in efficiency reduce the negative environmental impacts of energy use and global climate change

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits/Rehabilitations Why are Retrofits and Rehabilitations Important? Community Impacts –Can contribute to the revitalization of depressed communities Economic Impacts –Can reduce construction costs because of existing infrastructure –Will reduce operating costs if rehabilitation or retrofit is done with an eye toward energy and water efficiency

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits/Rehabs Why YOU should care about energy efficiency retrofits: Volatility Avoidance – Energy costs continue to escalate, your budgets dont. Risk Avoidance – What is in the regulatory pipeline? Can you afford not to plan for it?

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits: What is possible? In most buildings, energy use can be reduced 5-40% Inefficient Equipment: Appliances Lighting Water Heaters Furnaces/Boilers Air Conditioners Inefficiencies Related To: Reducing first costs (value? engineering) Tech. improvements Cost reductions New economics w/ rising energy costs

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits: DIY Become Friends with the Bills and Spreadsheets! Water: Gal/Per/Day Domestic Hot Water: Average Therms/Month Space Heating: BTU/Sq. Ft./HDD Electric: Average kWh a day/month (per sq. ft.)

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits: DIY Building Inventory –Water Consuming Appliances? –Envelope? –Mechanicals? –Electrical Appliances and Systems? Become Friends with Your Maintenance Staff/Property Management Company!

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits: DIY Find the Opportunities! Where do high use and consumption correspond with inefficient systems? What are the economics of replacement? Use the numbers, make good decisions Simple Payback Simple Rate of ReturnBeyond Payback?

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 Linwood Court, Cambridge MA (8 Bldgs, 45 Units) Table 1: Estimated Paybacks on Water Efficiency Upgrades Fixture# for Replacement /Fix Estimated Cost Estimated Water Savings Payback Kitchen Aerators 30$120$328.50~4 months Shower Heads 25$75$ ~13 days Bathroom Aerators 43$32.35$376.00~1 month Fixing Sink Leaks 4N/A~$100Immediate TOTAL =$227.30$ ~1 ½ months

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 New Horizons, Worcester MA (1 bldg, 25 units) Fan ## of Kitchens/ Baths in stack CFM RatingCFM required ASHRAE Amount Oversized 14 bathrooms160802X 23 bathrooms120602X 38 kitchens X 46 kitchens X 58 bathrooms X 63 bathrooms120602X 77 kitchens X 83 bathrooms120602X 92 bathrooms80402X 105 kitchens X 112 bathrooms80402X High Electric Consumption Due to Over-Ventilation

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 The Role of Retrofits: Bring In Help Enlist an Expert to do the: –Utility Analysis –Building Audit and Diagnostic Testing –Financial Analysis and Recommendations

new ecology, inc. July 19, 2007 New Ecology, Inc. Green Homes and Sustainable Communities 2007 Key Issues in Developing an Existing Building Greening Strategy 1.Recognize this is about the long term –not a quick fixWhat is your time horizon? 2.Establish reasonable targets/returns 3.Measurement/Monitoring/Feedback loop 4.Document cost savings to management 5.Work with supporting players – utilities, local government, non-profits