Attorney General James and NYSERDA Announce Groundbreaking Energy Efficiency Project in Albany's South End

 

$1.2 Million Project Will Dramatically Improve Living Conditions for Steamboat Square Families

New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Doreen M. Harris today announced over $1.2 million in joint funding for a model energy efficiency project at Steamboat Square, an Albany Housing Authority (AHA) residential complex in Albany’s South End neighborhood. The South End is a Disadvantaged Community, a designation created by the Climate Act and defined by the Climate Justice Working Group, which means the community is comprised of predominantly low- and moderate-income households that face disparate public health, environmental pollution, and climate change impacts.

The project is a model of the cost-saving and environmental benefits associated with retrofitting large multifamily buildings with rigorous, state-of-the-art energy-saving measures. The project also includes a “greening initiative” to bring new natural spaces to the Steamboat Square community, reducing air pollution, and mitigating extreme heat.

“Far too often, low-income communities and communities of color are unfairly burdened with higher-cost, lower-comfort homes due to a lack of investment in new energy- and cost-saving technology,” said Attorney General James. “With this groundbreaking project, we are improving conditions and quality of life for Steamboat Square families. I am grateful to our partners at NYSERDA and the Albany Housing Authority for working together with my office to protect New Yorkers’ health and wellbeing.”

“The Steamboat Square project illustrates what can be done to provide energy efficient, comfortable, and healthy homes for New York families living in historically underserved communities as we diligently work to achieve Governor Hochul’s goal of two million climate-friendly homes by 2030,” said Doreen M. Harris, CEO and President, NYSERDA. “NYSERDA is proud to partner with New York Attorney General James on this endeavor and we look forward to continuing to support efforts like this to help bolster vibrant, inclusive communities throughout New York state.” 

The project is part of revitalization efforts at Steamboat 20, an 88-unit high rise building in the Steamboat Square complex. The funding will support the purchase and installation of geothermal heat pump systems and other efficiency upgrades including exterior wall and roof insulation, air sealing, and installation of thermostats and energy recovery ventilation. This work will be overseen by NYSERDA.

These upgrades are expected to provide at least 40 percent energy savings and reduce climate change pollution. At the same time, the investments at Steamboat Square will significantly improve residents’ comfort by providing each apartment with air conditioning and giving each unit control over its own temperature settings, among other benefits.

An additional $91,000 in funding will be used for urban greening measures recommended in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) October 2019 Albany South End Community Air Quality Study, and may include planting trees and other vegetation and establishing living walls, green roofs, and vegetative barriers. These measures will improve air quality, reduce local heat islands, and improve the natural environment and resident well-being in Steamboat Square and the larger South End neighborhood. This work will be implemented by AHA.

The funding for this project is provided by NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, by National Grid’s New York State Clean Heat program, and by a 2005 settlement the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) obtained against the Ohio Edison Company. The OAG and NYSERDA have since successfully used these funds to implement a broader Green and Affordable Housing project statewide.

The project is expected to be completed by June of 2024.

“DEC is committed to improving environmental justice communities across the state and it is exciting to see this funding for Albany’s South End neighborhood,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The recommendations from DEC’s air quality study to coordinate improvements in community housing with air quality and greenhouse gas reduction goals were driven by science and community input, both of which will be critical in reaching our nation-leading climate justice goals. I applaud Attorney General James and NYSERDA President Harris for these investments.”