Meeting local building codes with a portfolio approach to energy efficiency in buildings

Amalgamated Warbasse Houses - Building Energy Audit and Decarbonization

Amalgamated Warbasse Houses wanted to improve energy efficiency for their property portfolio of five residential buildings, one shopping center, and a power plant. They engaged us to perform American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Level II energy audits and retro-commissioning services in compliance with New York City’s Local Laws 87 and 97. We studied each sites’ energy performance and greenhouse gas emissions for compliance with Local Law 97’s stringent greenhouse gas emission limits.

During our comprehensive energy assessment of the buildings, we analyzed end-use energy consumption and benchmarked the buildings’ energy use according to Energy Star standards. We performed surveys of lighting, building envelope and fenestration (doors and windows or other openings), combined heat and power (CHP) systems, dual-temp hydronic piping system, fan coil units, exhaust fans, and laundry equipment.

We identified potential energy conservation measures (ECMs) for improving energy efficiency and achieving cost savings. These measures included site-wide LED retrofits, replacing the existing CHP plant with a fuel cell-based power plant, installing photovoltaic (PV) systems with energy storage, reducing domestic hot water (DHW) load, and optimizing exhaust ventilation systems. We selected each ECM based on its potential to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and contribute to sustainability goals.

By implementing these ECMs, Amalgamated Warbasse Houses can expect to see improved energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions across their property portfolio—and a 44 percent reduction in energy use will save them an estimated $2 million annually.