JPNDC: Julia Martin House
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC) built Julia Martin House in 2006 for residents aged 62 and older; the property is managed by Peabody Properties, Inc. The primary issue at Julia Martin House was its boilers, which had been causing problems for several years. As active participants in the Massachusetts’ Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN), JPNDC and Peabody secured funding for energy- and water-efficient upgrades, all of which have produced savings.
MoreJPNDC was particularly concerned about heating issues because of the age and vulnerability of its residents. JPNDC built Julia Martin House to allow independent and frail low-income seniors to age in place. They collaborated with the former Bromley-Heath Tenant Management Corporation and used HUD’s Section 202 financing to build the 56-unit affordable multifamily building. However, by 2015, the Julia Martin House produced uneven and unreliable heating, as only one of its two boilers was operational and experienced frequent shutdowns. The building overheated at times, which exacerbated residents’ asthma and other respiratory conditions. At other times, the boiler produced insufficient heat to maintain a comfortable temperature across the building, which prevented residents with circulatory issues from feeling warm.
LessHeading into the winter of 2015, JPNDC needed to replace the boilers at Julia Martin House to ensure that residents experienced reliably comfortable temperatures, but also to reduce costs through increased efficiency, better controls, and avoided work orders. JPNDC was concerned about funding the replacements until LEAN granted the funding for high-efficiency boilers in August 2015.
MoreJPNDC also used LEAN funding to install lighting upgrades, including two motion sensors, 14 fixture replacements in common areas and stairways, and 13 LED lamp upgrades in the parking lot. Finally, JPNDC installed an irrigation meter, resulting in substantial annual cost savings.
|
Type of Upgrade |
Months since Upgrade |
Energy/Water Savings |
Annual Cost Savings |
Cumulative Cost Avoidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lighting |
58 |
191,000 kWh |
$6,600 |
$31,900 |
|
Irrigation |
69 |
121,000 gallons |
$2,400 |
$13,700 |
|
Boiler Replacement |
30 |
19,200 therms |
$8,700 |
$21,600 |
|
TOTAL |
NA |
NA |
$17,700 |
$67,200 |
The property’s namesake, community organizer and long-time resident Julia Martin, commented that “Our residents are more comfortable and secure knowing these boilers are keeping them warm, no matter what medication they must take or whatever health issues they face.” The new boilers provide a comfortable and healthy living environment for Julia Martin residents. JPNDC can adjust heating production in real time while maintaining an even temperature across the building regardless of season or time of day. Heating and hot water functions have been separated which allows JPDNC to shut off heat in the summer without sacrificing hot water production. In addition to cost savings, JPNDC and Peabody Properties report lower maintenance costs.
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