Last Saturday, Robert guided us through the improvements the Boston House (1711 Mass. Ave NW) has made to the older building's windows, roof, water heating system and more. Significant savings were accomplished with off-the-shelf products that fit into the normal operation of a building.

Participants at a lively discussion about how to implement a number of the enhancements at their own condo buildings and explored additional ways energy could be conserved, such as making individual condo owners responsible for how much electricity and/or gas they consume.

Elements of the Boston House energy efficiency program
 
1. New windows with double panes have reduced air infiltration and heat loss through radiation.  

2. A new roof has an increased R level of insulation.  

3. New roof ventilation fans have reduced loss of heat or cool air.  

4. Core pipes of the heating and cooling system were upgraded with more efficient versions.  

5. Required condo owners to replace old convectors with new ones for better heating and air conditioning.  

6. Hallway lights have been changed to lower-wattage bulbs.  

7. New water heaters are not only more efficient in their own right, but automatically adjust to time-of-day use.  

8. Completed an extensive plumbing inspection and repair program to balance the hot water load, saving energy and providing more comfort.  

9. Presently shopping for a new air-conditioning chiller which will save electricity significantly (perhaps more than 25% over the old chiller).  

10. Establishing a meter-reading and utility bill monitor reading program for more intense analysis.  

11. Board frequently researches, discusses and debates alternative energy technology, such as solar hot water heating and green roofs.

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