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.
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 Restores Original Steam Heating System, Cutting Gas Use 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 Emily Myers 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and reuse of waste heat with the help of a $40,000 study funded by NYSERDA, and is also considering replacing an outdated steam absorption chiller with high efficiency electric chillers.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 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.
Smart Controls Boost On-Peak Energy Payouts for Upper East Side Condo
Written by Emily Myers on September 19, 2024
The Oxford, a 199-unit condo on the Upper East Side, is maximizing the payout it gets for reducing energy use during peak demand periods by using automated building sensors and controls, resulting in a potential $10,000 reward.
Heat Pump Pilot Among Energy Upgrades at Hamilton Heights HDFC
Written by Emily Myers on September 11, 2024
A Hamilton Heights HDFC is pioneering a new heat pump design as part of a trio of energy efficiency measures financed by a $236,000 loan from the New York City Energy Efficiency Corp. (NYCEEC), which will meet between 50% to 70% of the domestic hot water needs for the residents of the Residencia Esperanza co-op.
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