As part of its effort to provide safe and affordable public housing to area seniors, the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA) Board of Commissioners has selected Johnson Controls to begin energy-efficiency upgrades to nearly 2,000 units across 13 senior residential care facilities.
This is a component of an energy-savings program to improve the housing authority’s energy usage, reduce operational costs, minimize its environmental impact, and improve the comfort of its residents. The program is expected to save AHA nearly $18 million over the next 20 years, and will be paid for by energy savings so that no upfront costs will be paid by the housing authority.
More than 80 percent of the labor required for the execution of this project will come from local contractors and suppliers, including minority business enterprises. Additionally, employment opportunities for AHA residents will be created during construction, under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 3 program.
The contract calls for several areas of focus: the installation of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment to improve heating and overall building efficiencies; weatherization to reduce heat loss while lowering energy costs; and water conservation and bathroom-fixture upgrades, designed to enhance user experience and minimize overall water consumption. In addition, Johnson Controls will provide energy conservation training for staff and residents.
The program is funded through an energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, which will help the housing authority significantly reduce their utility costs and carbon footprint without increasing operating budgets. The cost savings generated will repay the project capital investment over the term of the contract. BD+C
Related Stories
Urban Planning | Feb 11, 2022
6 ways to breathe life into mixed-use spaces
To activate mixed-use spaces and realize their fullest potential, project teams should aim to create a sense of community and pay homage to the local history.
Senior Living Design | Feb 11, 2022
Design for senior living: A chat with Rocky Berg, AIA
Rob Cassidy, Editor of MULTIFAMILY Design + Construction, chats with Rocky Berg, AIA, Principal with Dallas architecture firm three, about how to design senior living communities to meet the needs of the owner, seniors, their families, and staff.
Architects | Feb 11, 2022
How computer simulations of vision loss create more empathetic buildings for the visually impaired
Here is a look at four challenges identified from our research and how the design responds accordingly.
Healthcare Facilities | Feb 10, 2022
Respite for the weary healthcare worker
The pandemic has shined a light on the severe occupational stress facing healthcare workers. Creating restorative hospital environments can ease their feelings of anxiety and burnout while improving their ability to care for patients.
Architects | Feb 8, 2022
Perkins Eastman and BLT Architects merge
Expanding services in hospitality, education, and mixed-use sectors to better serve clients.
Architects | Feb 3, 2022
SmithGroup elevates Mark Adams to lead workplace practice
In his new role, Adams leads the firm’s practice devoted to the design of corporate and commercial facilities.
Architects | Feb 2, 2022
Steven L. Pliam joins LEO A DALY as Design Technology Leader
Pliam will oversee the deployment and use of technologies such as computational design, parametric design, digital practice, reality capture, visualization, virtual/augmented reality, GIS and AI/Machine Learning.
Architects | Jan 31, 2022
Heatherwick Studio proposes new public waterfront site for Seoul
Heatherwick Studio was recently selected as part of the team by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to create a new sports and cultural district for the city.
Retail Centers | Jan 31, 2022
Amazon Style: Amazon’s latest innovative physical shopping experience
In January, Amazon unveiled plans to build a physical fashion store concept, dubbed Amazon Style, in Los Angeles. The e-commerce giant says the store will offer “together the best of shopping on Amazon–great prices, selection, and convenience–with an all new shopping experience built to inspire.”
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Jan 30, 2022
Optimized steel deck design
This course provides an overview of structural steel deck design and the ways to improve building performance and to reduce total-project costs.