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Honeywell and MHACY team up for new $18.8M energy conservation and building modernization program

The stimulus-supported program is also said to create opportunities for local subcontractors, and save an estimated $1.4 million in annual utility costs.

Backed by three 15-year performance contracts with Honeywell, the program features a mix of conservation measures and equipment upgrades, including a new geothermal heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system that will impact 19 developments and more than 2000 apartments throughout Yonkers.

“We’re making significant changes to our buildings that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to fund,” said Joseph Shuldiner, executive director of MHACY. “These are upgrades that make our properties more comfortable for residents and more affordable to operate. This work is well aligned with our overall mission to provide safe, sanitary and energy-efficient housing.”

Honeywell will install the geothermal system at the housing authority’s John E. Flynn Manor. Once installed, the geothermal system is expected to cut energy costs by $60,000 and carbon emissions by more than 210 metric tons annually. According to figures from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this is equivalent to removing more than 40 cars from the road or planting 44 acres of trees.

Honeywell and MHACY divided the other improvements into two phases according to site size and complexity. Upgrades under both phases include:

• Retrofitting lighting systems with high-efficiency fixtures;

• Installing new low-flow aerators and showerheads;

• Upgrading domestic water heating systems;

• Implementing building envelope improvements, including roof, window and door sealing, and attic insulation;

• Upgrading existing oil-fired boilers to operate on oil or natural gas, depending on cost;

• Installing new high-efficiency boilers and control systems to replace outdated heating equipment at some sites.

MHACY and Honeywell expect to complete all the improvements by year’s end.

“Housing authorities are asked to provide a safe, comfortable environment for their residents, despite increasing budget challenges‚” said Paul Orzeske, president of Honeywell Building Solutions. “Honeywell helps progressive organizations like MHACY overcome these challenges by providing the technology and financing tools to deliver lasting improvements. The end result is programs that have a positive impact on the housing authority, its residents and the surrounding community.”