June Seminar Series Prepares Building Owners to Take First Steps in Managing Their Energy Consumption, Controlling Costs
New York, NY – May 31, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — To make it easier for property owners to assess, fund, implement and measure energy efficiency opportunities that can improve their buildings’ performance and bottom line, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has integrated its portfolio of programs and incentives for multifamily buildings, including condominiums and co-ops.
The portfolio offers diverse options and attractive incentives for energy efficiency upgrades in buildings with five or more residential units. The integration simplifies NYSERDA’s offerings for multifamily building owners.
In June, NYSERDA will host a series of free events to connect multifamily building owners, property managers, developers and board members of condominium and co-op associations with program and engineering resources to begin taking advantage of program opportunities.
Each event will include a brief customer panel discussion to share perspectives from building owners who have used NYSERDA programs to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency and savings.
In addition to helping building owners reduce energy waste and costs, NYSERDA’s integrated portfolio for multifamily properties encourages multifamily building owners to adopt more energy-efficient practices for a healthier, cleaner environment. Highlights include:
- Whole-building energy assessments and customized Energy Reduction Plan, with NYSERDA providing funding to assist with the assessment cost
- Incentives to install energy upgrades—up to $600/unit for retrofits and $1.50/sq. ft. for new construction
- Submetering of electric billing in master-metered buildings, with incentives of up to 50 percent on equipment costs, as well as incentives for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- Meeting the requirements of New York City’s new benchmarking laws, with energy-optimizing measures that begin with an operational review incentive worth up to $3,000
- Options for geothermal systems that use energy deep in the earth for heating and cooling, with low-interest financing plus incentives of $950/ton for market-rate housing and $1,200/ton for affordable housing
- Use less carbon—less carbon-intense fuel alternatives for buildings that currently use #6 fuel oil, including #2 fuel oil, biofuels/biodiesel blends, revenue-grade waste gas from landfills and digesters, propane, woody biomass and renewable energy sources such as solar thermal and geothermal systems. (Buildings that intend to switch to #4 fuel oil are not eligible to receive incentives through this program. Funds have currently been exhausted for conversion to systems that burn natural gas only.)
“These days, multifamily building owners and boards need to explore every avenue when it comes to making their buildings’ performance as strong and profitable as possible. NYSERDA’s comprehensive portfolio gives multifamily building owners multiple ways to drive new efficiencies at the building and individual tenant levels,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “Plus, every program in our portfolio goes beyond energy efficiency to provide improved resident comfort and indoor air quality.”
The events will be held at a breakfast in Manhattan (June 7), Westchester County (June 10), Brooklyn (June 15), Queens (June 22) and Rochester (June 27). Multifamily building owners can register for these free seminars at www.nyserdaPowerBreakfast.org/2011. Information about the meeting place at each location is available on the registration website. A webinar also will be scheduled for people unable to attend one of the local events.
For more information about NYSERDA’s multifamily building program portfolio, call 1-866-NYSERDA or visit www.getenergysmart.org/Multifamilyhomes.
NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975.
Contact:
Dayle Zatlin, NYSERDA
(518) 862-1090 ext. 3359
dez (at) nyserda (dot) org
