CSNDC Targets Washington Columbia #1 and #2 for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Background

Washington Columbia (WC) #1 and #2 are adjacent sister properties constructed in 1920 to house low-income families with Section 8 vouchers. The 3-story walk-up multifamily buildings offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments. WC #1 includes 150 units in five buildings and WC #2 includes 175 units in seven buildings. Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) targeted the properties for energy-efficient upgrades because the buildings were outdated, featuring old T-12 fluorescent fixtures, poorly-performing atmospheric boilers near the end of their useful life, and a roof well-suited for solar photovoltaics (PV).

Before beginning physical building upgrades of WC #1 and #2, CSNDC met internally to ensure goal alignment among its various departments. CSNDC had already committed to the Better Buildings Challenge and had contracted with WegoWise to track its portfolio-wide energy and water consumption.

Solutions

CSNDC implemented energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades for WC #1 and WC #2 over several years, beginning in 2015 and continuing through 2017. Some of the improvements included:

Replaced all common area and in-unit T-12 fluorescent fixtures with LED fixtures;
Installed Energy Star® appliances in all units;
Replaced atmospheric heat and hot water boilers with high-efficiency condensing boilers;
Implemented boiler equipment monitoring and optimization;
Installed white roofing, pipe and roof insulation, weather-stripping, and energy-efficient windows; and
Installed solar PV for community shared solar.

The lighting upgrades extended to the on-site computer learning center, which offers computer classes, employment training, and youth and adult enrichment classes. In addition to the energy-efficient building upgrades, CSNDC also installed low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets and replaced the washers with more efficient models.

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Washington Columbia's Solar PV

Washington Columbia's Playground

Washington Columbia's New Boilers