Network/AEA Partnership

An unprecedented partnership to weatherize supportive housing

In late 2009, the Network became a Community Partner with the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) in a targeted multifamily Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) contract with New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This partnership represents the first time that a WAP contract was specifically dedicated to weatherizing supportive and special-needs housing.

In total, 26 Network members with 60 buildings enrolled in WAP through this contract (see list below). Initially contracted to weatherize 1,200 units in the greater New York City region, AEA was awarded a production incentive of $6 million by HCR to bring that number up to 2,100 units of supportive and transitional housing. AEA has weatherized 2,598 housing units through the partnership.

The Partnership

AEA and the Network forged a successful and productive partnership based on a shared commitment to preserving affordable, safe and healthy housing. Network members benefited from the outreach and assistance that the community partnership afforded them, and AEA’s multifamily weatherization expertise enabled it to deliver excellent construction quality and service while maximizing production.

Weatherization

Participating buildings are expected, on average, to reduce their energy use by 20%. Measures installed by the AEA/Network WAP project include:

  • High efficiency boilers and controls in 30 buildings
  • Window replacements worth nearly $3.5 million in 39 buildings
  • Pipe insulation in 49 buildings and roof insulation or attic air-sealing in 22 buildings
  • Energy efficient common area lighting in 53 buildings and in-unit lighting in 43 buildings
  • Ventilation system upgrades and/or cleaning in 21 buildings.

WAP also improves the health, safety and comfort of building occupants. Forty-six participating buildings received some type of health and safety improvements. In several buildings, AEA energy auditors identified previously undetected health and safety hazards including poorly vented heating and hot water appliances, ventilation and duct system maintenance, inoperable outdoor security lighting, and defective smoke or CO alarms. When weatherization funds could not address the issue, AEA auditors brought hazards to the attention of providers, who then took steps to remedy the conditions.

In 39 eligible buildings, the project was able to leverage financial incentives from Con Edison’s Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program, which is implemented by AEA. In addition, referrals to AEA member weatherization agencies led to the enrollment of another 23 by other downstate New York weatherization providers. This will result in the weatherization of at least another 1,200 units of special-needs housing.

Training


Ramon Casado, AEA's Energy Efficient Building Operations Specialist (EEBOPS) trainer, discusses efficiency trainings in Spanish.

AEA has trained more than 30 building operators and managers of participating providers in its Energy Efficient Building Operations Specialist (EEBOPS) class at AEA’s training center. This course, which also prepares students for BPI certification, was designed to teach them how to operate their newly-installed and existing building systems efficiently to achieve energy savings for years to come.

The Network commends its members who enrolled in the Network/AEA pipeline and all others that have taken advantage of WAP to make their buildings more energy efficient while improving tenant comfort, health and safety!

Beyond Weatherization

Weatherization is one of many steps that supportive housing can and should take to reduce energy use. In addition to capital improvements, there are many operational and behavioral steps that providers can take to maintain and increase efficiency. Learn more about how to maximize your building’s performance with other resources and training opportunities described in Green Supportive Housing and Living Green. Stay tuned for more information on new and existing energy retrofit programs and policies. 

Network members enrolled in AEA/Network WAP pipeline: