All Posts Tagged With: "NYSERDA"

One important question growing out of the ongoing credit crisis is how it will impact green construction projects in emerging neighborhoods. Obviously this inquiry isn’t limited just to New York City, but a good example is the Knickerbocker Condominiums in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. Developed by the Hudson Companies, Inc. the 49-unit project contemplates the adaptive reuse of existing housing stock into modern loft apartments. The developer plans to seek a LEED rating for the project, and green features include LEED-standard recycled-content construction materials, a bicycle storage room, efficient building systems, and a public green roof. Over 40 percent of units at the Knickerbocker feature some sort of private outdoor space. The project is also participating in NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, which offers incentives to developers who build energy efficient options into their design programs.

1070 Anderson Avenue, designed by Manhattan-based Magnusson Architects is an 8-story affordable housing development in the Highbridge section of the Bronx that will offer 41 units in a variety of studio and one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. The $12 million tower’s design is inspired by principles of Art Deco and rises as a south-facing L, increasing the reach of natural light into each apartment and also creating a 6000-square-foot courtyard for residents to enjoy. Green roofs grace the seventh- and eighth-floor setbacks, while low-E, Energy Star-certified windows, an efficient rooftop boiler, and continuous exterior insulation will aim to lower the building’s utility bills. Other green features include low-VOC paints and materials, dual flush toilets, CFLs, and Kone Ecospec elevators. The building’s lobby includes local plants and shrubbery that will receive water from a rainwater collection system. Developer New Destiny Housing is considering applying for a LEED Silver rating, but will participate in an NYSERDA incentive program.

Calling itself in the “small wind” business as opposed to large-scale, utility-grade wind farms, Chautauqua Wind Energy plans to move into the fledgling market for smaller scale, residential wind turbines beginning this fall. Based in Chautauqua County, New York, the green energy company will focus on installing and servicing 5 to 10 kilowatt wind turbines. The company will act as a dealer and carry turbines from different manufacturers, including Bergey, Windterra, and Helix Wind. Chautauqua will also act as a consultant to determine the optimal installation for each of its customers. Chautauqua County is apparently a prime spot for wind energy. Boasting nearly constant Class 3 winds (15 miles per hour), the area is home to some of the windiest areas in New York State, which is actually the 15th windiest state in the union.

Intervale Green is a $45 million, 127-unit affordable housing development under construction in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. Project sponsor WHEDC teamed with energy consultant Steven Winter Associates to reduce the building’s expected energy costs by 35 percent through numerous sustainable design elements, including the installation of EnergyStar appliances and light fixtures. Other green design features include two different green roofs, low-e windows, and non-toxic paints and sealants- important because the Morrisania neighborhood holds the unfortunate distinction of the highest asthma rate in the Bronx