Sydney Mark
Username
Sydney Mark
Proposer First Name
Sydney
Proposer Email
sydney.mark@arup.com
Proposer Last Name
Mark
Proposer Company/Organization
Arup
Proposer Phone
(847) 636-1512
Proposer Job Title
Sustainability Consultant
Boston 2023 Areas of Focus
Proposed Session Description
BHA and Arup will present the results of the decarbonization study that lays out a plan to fully electrify 10,000 public and affordable housing units throughout the Greater Boston area by 2030 to meet an ambitious fossil free housing target. As the largest housing provider in Boston, the BHA decarbonization project will set a precedent for addressing the climate crisis while providing affordable housing that has a positive impact on the health and safety of both residents and the environment.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
BHA is the largest affordable housing provider in Boston. The BHA decarbonization plan brings the organization closer to their goals of providing equitable and fossil free housing by 2030. The plan considers quality of life improvements for the residents while enhancing health and well-being.
Learning Objectives
Describe the multifaceted benefits of decarbonizing housing units.
Identify system upgrades necessary to electrify the portfolio.
Identify criteria that help prioritize assets and measures for a large scale decarbonization plan.
Combine a decarbonization plan with affordability, safety, and resilience measures.
Has this session been presented before?
No
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.
Session Format
Presentation followed by facilitated discussion or breakout groups
Session Format Details
30-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute facilitated discussion.
Recommended Length
60-minute session
90-minute session
Strongest Content Connection - Boston 2023
Reviewer 1
Dillon, Emily
Reviewer 2
Dillon, Emily
Proposal #
188
Committee Decision
Being Considered
Presenters
Full Description
The BHA decarbonization plan takes an equitable and resilient approach to large-scale decarbonization with an aggressive, 7-year plan. Electrification of these units provides a lower environmental footprint to thousands of residential spaces within Boston. Upgrading the systems within the building increases resilience, as well as human health with the implementation of elements such as electric stoves that provide improved air quality, and centralized HVAC systems that are more resilient in the event of a heat wave. Furthermore, with thousands of units in various physical conditions, each unit requires different solutions that work best for the residents, the project target, and the city.
A holistic view of this project will be given through a joint presentation providing the perspective of both the client and the consultant. This session will analyze the complementary large- and small-scale measures that are necessary to complete this task, as well as the sequencing of actions needed to complete the project on time. Furthermore, the methodology of grouping and prioritizing buildings will be discussed as well as the three main challenges of this project including technology, human, and money-based factors. Overall, the BHA decarbonization project will set a precedent for developing affordable, resilient, and climate friendly housing within large cities.