HUD Awards Green Retrofit Funding to NYC Project

HUD announced that it has awarded the first Recovery Act Green Retrofit Grant for Multifamily Housing to Jonathan Rose Companies, a New York-based property with almost 200 units.

The project, which will receive $3.6 million in funding to become more energy efficient, is a Section 8 assisted site consisting of 10 buildings and 198 units. According to HUD, the renovation will enhance the quality of life for residents and increase energy efficiency. It is estimated to save 25 percent in utility costs through retrofits that will include: Energy Star refrigerators, replacing 32 old boilers with 10 high-efficiency boilers, rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets, recycled-material kitchen counters, Energy Star ceiling fans, compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) fixtures and bulbs, double-pane argon-filled low emissivity (low-e) windows, insulated exterior doors, low-flow fixtures like shower heads and toilets, linoleum flooring to replace vinyl tile, wood floor installations using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood, and nontoxic paints, adhesives, and sealants throughout.

The Green Retrofit Program is providing $250 million nationally to reduce energy costs, cut water consumption, and improve indoor air quality. Grants and loans provided through this program help private owners and property management companies to cut heating and air conditioning costs by installing more efficient heating and cooling systems and to reduce water use by replacing faucets and toilets.

Recovery Act funds also produce other environmental benefits by encouraging the use of recycled building materials, reflective roofing, and nontoxic products to reduce potentially harmful “out gassing” of harmful fumes.

Funds are awarded to owners of HUD-assisted housing projects and can be used for a wide range of retrofit activities, from windows and doors to solar panels and geothermal installation.

More information about the Recovery Act funds, including HUD's funding notices and tracking of future performance of the grants, is available at HUD's Recovery Act Web site.

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