2004
RELEASE, IMMEDIATE: November 1, 2004
CONTACT: Ryan Moore
(518) 862-1090, ext. 3267 or rtm@nyserda.org NYSERDA Provides $447,500 for Energy Improvements at Centerville Court Apartments in North Syracuse
Project Expected to Save More Than $117,000 in Annual Energy Costs
Syracuse, NY - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded a $447,500 grant to improve energy efficiency in Centerville Court Apartments, a 152-unit, senior rental housing complex in North Syracuse.
The State investment is expected to save the affordable housing property more than $117,000 in annual operating costs and more than 1.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity or enough electricity to power more than 300 apartments for a year. The funds will cover 26 percent of an overall energy efficiency project, totaling approximately $1.7 million in capital improvements at the apartment site. Over the life of the investment, Centerville is expected to recognize over $1.85 million in lifetime savings.
The assistance was provided through NYSERDA's New York Energy $martSM Assisted Multifamily Program (AMP), a state initiative that reduces operating costs for multifamily buildings and lowers energy bills for low- and moderate-income consumers. The program provided a no-cost comprehensive building energy audit from a leading engineering firm. AMP engineers identified the most cost-effective energy upgrades for the property, and NYSERDA assisted Centerville in funding the recommended energy enhancements.
"Through our Assisted Multifamily Program, NYSERDA is helping Centerville reduce energy consumption and save on utility costs, while also providing a healthier and more comfortable living environment for the seniors," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith. "The project demonstrates the Governor's vision of how energy efficiency improvements can keep costs down while improving the quality of life for New York residents."
The senior housing complex - comprising 12 residential buildings and a central community building -- is owned by Centerville Court LP.
The most far-reaching element of the upgrade program involves conversion of the electric heating system and domestic water heaters to gas. Because electrical heating is one of the least cost-effective methods of space heating, this aspect of the project is expected to save the property more than $112,000 annually.
Other measures include the replacement of incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps in apartments, common areas and exterior lighting. The project will replace 61 refrigerators and four top-load washing machines with ENERGY STAR® qualified units. Carbon monoxide detectors will also be installed.
"NYSERDA is playing an essential role in our energy efficiency initiative, which will ease utility cost burdens for the property" said Kristina Rogers, project director for Centerville Court Apartments. "We recognize the important role that energy efficiency plays in keeping housing affordable for our residents."
The New York Energy $martSM Assisted Multifamily Program provides a range of technical and financial incentives to low and moderate income multifamily residential properties in New York State for capital projects involving energy efficiency improvements. The program reduces energy burdens for residents by improving the energy efficiency and energy management of the buildings in which they live. It provides owners of affordable housing with free technical assistance, access to low-cost financing, and, in many cases, grants.
Since its launch in 2000, the Assisted Multifamily Program has worked with over 400 affordable housing properties in 41 counties throughout New York State. NYSERDA has committed approximately $52 million for this effort to date, spread across almost 89,000 units statewide. NYSERDA funds under this initiative are expected to leverage commitments of an additional $176 million from other sources, for a total of more than $228 million in new investments for energy efficiency renovations of affordable housing.
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