Project Overview

Grower Green Housing Development Fund Corporation in Brooklyn is a group of 13 separate but mostly adjacent pre-war affordable housing buildings. With more than 1,000 residents from diverse backgrounds, the properties contribute to the cultural and socioeconomic fabric of New York City.

The electrical and mechanical systems for these buildings had not been upgraded in over 20 years. One property faced impending penalties related to carbon emission limits set by New York City’s Local Law 97 (LL97). By working with NYC Accelerator, the property was able to make energy upgrades to improve efficiency and operating performance, while lowering costs, complying with LL97 through 2050, and benefiting resident health and well-being.

$5.2 million
Net project cost (after incentives)

$23,890
Estimated LL97 penalties/year avoided 2024-2029

$90,365/year
Estimated energy cost savings

$105,835
Estimated LL97 penalties/year avoided 2030-2049

$5.8 million
Total project cost (before incentives)

$600,082
Incentives expected following project completion

2 years
Project duration

9.5 years
Payback period*

*This current estimate includes only one building subject to LL97, categorized under Section 321. The building owner plans to meet the Prescriptive Energy Conservation Measures, eliminating all LL97 penalties. This estimate does not include operating expense savings, which, in addition to energy savings, further reduce the payback period.

The

Opportunity

Property manager Kraus Management connected with Atlas Builders to make upgrades to key building systems and meet local building energy laws. After conducting energy audits, the team identified opportunities to increase roof insulation, install high-efficiency water heaters, improve elevators and lighting in common areas, and install LED lighting in tenant units.

Occupant Discomfort

Inadequate roof insulation contributed to inconsistent building temperatures and affected occupant comfort and utility costs.

Customized Solutions

The buildings’ capital improvements cycle, the falling cost of energy-efficient technologies, and available incentives made upgrades more affordable.

The

Solution

By connecting with NYC Accelerator, the properties received:

Incentive Assistance

Help navigating local, state, and federal incentive programs to find funding for energy efficiency upgrades.

Training Resources

Free training on local law compliance and financing options for energy-efficient technology.

Connection to Trusted Providers

Access to experts in project design, technological innovation, and financing. Atlas Builders helped the building install high-efficiency domestic hot water heaters that reduced emissions to comply with LL97.

The Benefits

NYSERDA incentives to offset the costs of an energy study
Reduced operations and maintenance costs
Enhanced occupant comfort and indoor air quality
Increased property value
Expected compliance with LL97 through 2050

LL97 is really moving energy efficiency up the ladder for property owners. They are looking at more than just the bottom line and really seeing the impact of making their properties more cost efficient.

— Thor Hartten

Building Representative, Atlas Builders

Download Case Study

Want to help your building improve comfort, lower costs, and comply with local building energy laws?

Contact Us

Brooklyn Apartments Make Upgrades to Reduce Costs and Increase Comfort

Brooklyn Apartments make Upgrades to Reduce Costs and Increase Comfort