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
Museums | Jan 30, 2024
Meier Partners' South Korean museum seeks to create a harmonious relationship between art and nature
For the design of the newly completed Sorol Art Museum in Gangneung, South Korea, Meier Partners drew from Korean Confucianism to achieve a simplicity of form, material, and composition and a harmonious relationship with nature. The museum is scheduled to open on February 14. It is the firm’s first completed project since restructuring as Meier Partners.
Luxury Residential | Jan 30, 2024
Lumen Fox Valley mall-to-apartments conversion completes interiors
Architecture and interior design firm Morgante Wilson Architects (MWA) today released photos of its completed interiors work at Lumen Fox Valley, a 304-unit luxury rental community and mall-to-apartments conversion.
Airports | Jan 30, 2024
Rafael Viñoly Architects’ design for the new Florence, Italy, airport terminal will feature a rooftop vineyard
At Florence, Italy’s Aeroporto Amerigo Vespucci, the new international airport terminal will feature a fully operating vineyard on the facility’s rooftop. Designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, the terminal is expected to see over 5.9 million passengers annually. Renderings for the project have recently been released.
Giants 400 | Jan 29, 2024
Top 160 Workplace Interior Architecture Firms for 2023
Gensler, Interior Architects, HOK, SmithGroup, and Perkins&Will top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest workplace interior and interior fitout architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.
Mixed-Use | Jan 29, 2024
12 U.S. markets where entertainment districts are under consideration or construction
The Pomp, a 223-acre district located 10 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and The Armory, a 225,000-sf dining and entertainment venue on six acres in St Louis, are among the top entertainment districts in the works across the U.S.
Laboratories | Jan 25, 2024
Tactical issues for renovating university research buildings
Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA, Principal, GBBN, highlights the connection between the built environment and laboratory research, and weighs the benefits of renovation vs. new construction.
K-12 Schools | Jan 25, 2024
Video: Research-based design for K-12 schools
Two experts from national architecture firm PBK discuss how behavioral research is benefiting the design of K-12 schools in Texas, Florida, and other states. Dan Boggio, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Founder & Executive Chair, PBK, and Melissa Turnbaugh, AIA, NCARB, Partner & National Education & Innovation Leader, PBK, speak with Robert Cassidy, Executive Editor, Building Design+Construction.
Women in Design+Construction | Jan 25, 2024
40 Under 40 Class of 2023 winner Kimberly Dowdell inaugurated as AIA 2024 President
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has announced the inauguration of Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Principal and Director of Strategic Relationships at HOK and BD+C 40 Under 40 superstar, as its 100th president.
Senior Living Design | Jan 24, 2024
Former Walgreens becomes affordable senior living community
Evergreen Real Estate Group has announced the completion of Bellwood Senior Apartments. The 80-unit senior living community at 542 25th Ave. in Bellwood, Ill., provides independent living options for low-income seniors.
AEC Tech | Jan 24, 2024
4 ways AEC firms can benefit from digital transformation
While going digital might seem like a playground solely for industry giants, the truth is that any company can benefit from the power of technology.