2005

RELEASE: Immediate - May 5, 2005
CONTACT: Jean Donovan, 1-866-NYSERDA or jmd@nyserda.org

Delmar Place, a Senior Assisted-Living Community Providing State-of-the-Art Energy-Efficient Comfort is Showcased in Delmar
Assistance Received from NYSERDA and the New York Energy $mart^SM New Construction Program

Albany, NY - May 5 , 2005 - Henry Klersy and his son Kevin, local builders and developers, had an ambitious dream of creating an elegant, state-of-the-art assisted-living residence for elderly citizens of the Capital District area. Wanting to achieve both energy efficiency and high-level comfort for residents, they worked with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a NYSERDA technical assistance consultant, to construct an energy-efficient community at 467 Delaware Avenue in the Town of Bethlehem. The 2-story, 94-unit assisted-living facility, called Delmar Place, gives the appearance of a luxury hotel and offers residents a home-like setting with personal care, independence, and a sense of security and dignity.

To achieve the level of energy efficiency desired, the developers of Delmar Place worked with the New York Energy $mart^SM New Construction Program administered by NYSERDA, and were provided $277,668 for the implementation of energy efficiency measures. It is estimated that these implemented measures will save approximately $78,000 in annual electric energy costs, and the energy saved is enough to supply approximately 100 homes with annual electricity needs.

"Delmar Place is a model assisted-living community, and Henry Klersy, his son Kevin, and all those associated with this project are to be commended for providing an energy-efficient assisted-living center that encompasses all the comforts of home," said Peter R. Smith, President of NYSERDA. "In addition to the savings on its utility bill, which is important in these times of tight budgets, the energy efficiency improvements undertaken by Delmar Place will reduce annual electricity usage by more than 683,000 kilowatt hours, reduce major air pollutants such as carbon dioxide emissions by more than 370 tons, oxides of nitrogen emissions by more than 1,000 pounds, and sulfur oxide emissions by more than 2,000 pounds. The energy efficiency measures implemented will improve the health, safety, and comfort of the building for both residents and employees, and reduce harmful pollutants in the surrounding area."

"When we first envisioned Delmar Place, our objective was to provide a home for Senior Citizens in the Delmar area that catered to their specific needs. In doing so, we wanted to provide a high level of comfort at the most affordable cost possible," said Henry Klersy, Managing Member of 467 Delaware Avenue, LLC. "We turned to NYSERDA, and were thrilled with the advice, financial assistance, and knowledge provided."

Terri Egan, Bethlehem Town Supervisor stated, "Energy efficiency is so important as we attempt to deal with increasing energy costs. I applaud Henry Klersy and the developers of Delmar Place for implementing energy efficiency measures when they constructed this beautiful, assisted-living center here in the Town of Bethlehem. They are to be praised for both their dedication to the elderly in the Capital District, and their commitment to the environment."

The energy efficiency measures implemented at Delmar Place include a high-efficiency water source heat pump system. The system includes individual heat pumps for each of the 94 units, plus 18 larger heat pumps for the heating and cooling needs of common areas, such as activity rooms and dining rooms. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) were installed on pumps and fan motors. The VFDs regulate the speed of the motors to optimize a system's energy performance. A heat recovery system that utilizes exhaust-heat to meet some of the heating demands of the building was installed, as well as improved insulation and windows and high efficiency lighting systems.

Funding for the New Construction Program and other NYSERDA incentives are provided through the New York Energy $mart^SM program, which lowers electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.

New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.

Additional information about these and other energy-saving programs is available online at www.nyserda.org

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