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- Mechanical Systems: Heating
- Energy Auditing
- Retro-commissioning
- Engineering Analysis
- Project Construction Management
- Rebates & Financing
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Details
- Square Footage: 316,000
- Building Type: Affordable Multifamily
- Units: 292
- Year Built: 1957
- Location: Brooklyn , NY
Originally Kingsview Homes had hired EN-POWER to conduct its NYC Local Law 87 energy study and retro-commissioning. Our engineers discovered the facility’s aging heating steam distribution system was having major performance issues: uneven heating that left some residents cold while others were so overheated they had to open their windows in the winter, inefficient boiler operation resulting in high natural gas bills, and maintenance problems that caused extra work for building staff. Detailed testing conducted during retro-commissioning revealed the complex has a large number of broken and missing steam traps (i.e., the devices used to regulate steam in the distribution system), pumps that failed to achieve needed vacuum pressures, and condensate system drainage issues. At the conclusion of the energy study, EN-POWER teamed up with the system’s original designer, GS Dunham, to implement the repairs and upgrades needed to holistically overhaul the system back to health. Working together, our teams helped the complex successfully:
- Replace all of the nearly 1,000 apartment and 150 common area steam traps to enable the system to operate efficiently and per its original design
- Replace all 5 vacuum pumps with high-efficiency pumps with modern controls to improve system performance
- Install dedicated condensate pumps in each steam distribution pit to provide proper drainage
- Conduct tightness testing of the steam piping in each building to ensure the system would perform without costly steam leaks
- Recalibrate steam supply valves and controls to enable optimal operation and maximum savings
As a result of this holistic overhaul, the complex was able to reduce its natural gas consumption by 13%, which translates to a total cost savings of $77,700 and 162 metric tons of carbon annually. Resident comfort was also greatly improved as now steam is being distributed more efficiently through the system and apartments are more evenly heated.
Project Achievements
• Total Natural Gas Savings: 13%
• Total Cost Savings: $77,700
• Annual Utility Cost Savings: $32,000
• Annual NYC Local Law 97 Savings: $45,700
• ENERGY STAR Score Improvement: 12 Points (39 to 51)
• Annual Carbon Savings: 162 Metric Tons
• Eligible Incentives: Free Steam Traps
• Simple Payback: 3.7 years
Project Highlights
The energy auditing and retro-commissioning not only helped the property comply with NYC Local Law 87 compliance but also prepare the property for Local Law 97, which mandates buildings to meet specified carbon emission limits or pay penalties. Because of the comprehensive assessments of all buildings in the Kingsview complex, EN-POWER identified issues with the heating distribution systems and overhauled the system, resulting in an annual 162-metric ton carbon reduction and an improved ENERGY STAR Score.
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