HABITAT
Take a peek behind the facades of New York’s co-ops and condos to find out who's fixing things up, and how much it costs? Articles in this section cover dozens of individual projects in co-ops and condos all over New York City. Learn how NYC co-op/condo boards met the challenges of the fix-up, and how you can use their experiences to smooth out yours.
Are you doing capital improvements at your co-op or condo? Email kfarrell@habitatmag.com or emyers@habitatmag.com to have your project included in our column.
NYSERDA Program Seeks Co-ops and Condos to Host Next-Gen Heating and Cooling Systems
Written by Emily Myers on December 04, 2024
Co-ops and condos have an opportunity to showcase high-efficiency cold-climate heat pumps thanks to a $10 million NYSERDA initiative.
Upper West Side Co-op Installs Heat Pumps to Cut Emissions and Ease Boiler Strain
Written by Emily Myers on November 27, 2024
An 11-story Upper West Side co-op is installing heat pumps in the basement to generate domestic hot water, reducing emissions and taking pressure off the aging boiler, with the help of The Folson Group.
Brooklyn Heights Co-Op Transitions to Heat Pumps for Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Written by Emily Myers on November 20, 2024
205 Hicks St. in Brooklyn Heights has replaced an aging oil-fired boiler with energy-efficient electric heat pumps, eliminating carbon emission penalties and providing shareholders with comfortable heating and cooling, while also saving money on electricity.
Cabrini Terrace Co-op Restores Original Steam Heating System, Cutting Gas Usage by 15%
Written by Emily Myers on November 13, 2024
Cabrini Terrace, a 217-unit co-op in Manhattan's Hudson Heights, has restored their original steam heating system to its former glory, shaving 15% off the building's gas usage, and is exploring further ways to lower their penalty exposure.
Two Charlton Owners Corp. Implements Innovative Approach to Energy Efficiency
Written by Emily Myers on November 06, 2024
Two Charlton Owners Corp. has implemented a three-pronged strategy to enhance energy efficiency, including submetering, electrical room modernization, and EV charging installations, which have generated cost savings and additional revenue streams.
Clinton Hill Co-Op's Energy Efficiency Upgrades Slash Gas Use by 50%
Written by Emily Myers on October 23, 2024
The Clinton Hill Cooperative in Brooklyn has slashed its gas use by 50% since 2017, thanks to energy efficiency upgrades such as steam trap replacements, window replacements, smart radiator covers, and a combined heat and power system, all paid for out of the co-op's capital reserves without the need for an assessment.
New York City Co-op to Explore Waste Heat Capture and Reuse with State Funding
Written by Kathryn Farrell on October 17, 2024
A 134-unit postwar building in Lenox Hill is exploring the capture and reuse of waste heat with the help of a $40,000 study funded by NYSERDA, and is also considering replacing an outdated steam absorption chiller with high efficiency electric chillers.
New Carbon Offset Program Aims to Electrify Low-Income Housing in NYC
Written by Emily Myers on October 09, 2024
The Department of Buildings has proposed rules allowing buildings to lower penalties for excess carbon emissions by purchasing offset certificates, with the funds going towards a GreenHOUSE Fund to help decarbonize affordable housing, including low-income co-ops.
New York City's Composting Mandate Goes Into Effect on Oct. 6
Written by Emily Myers on October 02, 2024
New York City's composting mandate goes into effect on October 6, requiring buildings to separate food scraps and yard waste from their regular trash, with fines ranging from $25 to $300 for failing to comply.
Embassy's Sewer Line Ruins Co-Op's Basement, Insurance Carrier Pays $270K
Written by Emily Myers on September 25, 2024
A small eight-unit co-op in Lenox Hill received a $270,000 insurance payout from the embassy's insurance carrier after a sewage disaster, allowing them to pay back a line of credit and rebuild their capital reserves.
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