Solar in the City

Solar electric (PV) and hot water (DHW) generation systems are visible throughout the metropolitan area, yet some view solar in NYC as obstacle. New York has a thriving market with some of the best incentives and among the highest electricity rates in the country. During this session, experts will discuss successful installations, community solar projects, Building Integrated Solar PV (BIPV), and what the changes in government incentives will mean to the industry.

Microgrid Solutions: From Building to Region

Microgrids are sophisticated backup power systems, both energy supply and demand, to strengthen overall grid resilience. Ranging from single buildings, to neighborhoods, and then to regions, they are able to operate if the main grid is down. This session will highlight a bold NY statewide initiative encouraging microgrid development, and describe both a citywide and regional example of proposed microgrids, their functions, and the institutional concerns to get these systems running.

Lighting = Cash + Code

Lighting efficiency has increased substantially with technology inherent in LED’s, yet few buildings have come on board. Codes will drive changes in lighting down the road that should be addressed today. Daylighting is very important to use, insuring that its inherent heat gain does not negatively impact the building load. Listen to three leaders in the field discuss the newest technologies in existing lighting, lighting controls and code requirements, and effectively using daylighting.

Old Tools, New Tricks: Creative Solutions for Common Energy Problems

Many of us think we know the story when it comes to fixing and optimizing energy systems in NYC buildings. It’s easy to fall back on industry accepted measures and methods to energy efficiency. But do they actually work as well as we think? What new approaches are out there? This rapid fire presentation features innovative thinkers showcasing unorthodox ways to fix common issues in typical multifamily buildings. Each speaker will have 20 slides displayed for 20 seconds each... Ready, set, go!

Tuesday Workshop - PV and Heat Pumps: An Affordable Net Zero Heating Solution

As solar prices plummet and heat pump performance continues to improve, the combination of grid tied solar electric systems and cold climate heat pumps presents a remarkable opportunity on the mechanical side of net zero building performance. Participants will learn how heat pump technology works, to perform a basic load analysis, to estimate annual electric consumption using heat pump performance specs, and to estimate a solar system size in order to achieve zero carbon heat. Actual results will also be compared to design phase modeling projections.

Tuesday Workshop - Introduction to Building Science and Diagnostics

This overview of residential energy efficiency is appropriate for future auditors, would-be retrofitters, and anyone else who lives in a house. It starts with the basics of heat, air and moisture flow. Various insulation and air sealing materials are discussed. Heating fuels, heating systems, and hot water systems are compared. Common building performance problems and their solutions are outlined. There is a brief description of blower door testing and related diagnostics, along with suggestions for prioritizing recommendations.

Tuesday Workshop - Energy Auditing 201 of Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

How to perform a cost and time efficient energy audit. Find out the major elements of an energy audit including: benchmarking, useful survey equipment and tools, data logging, simple calculation methodologies, project cost estimating, and common mistakes. Discuss the most common findings (Energy Conservation Measures). Separate myth from real answers.

Applying Passive House Principles to 160 Units of Affordable Housing - Lessons Learned

Fairfax Gardens was a 150 unit dilapidated public housing development in Taunton, MA. The THA selected Trinity Financial to be the developer, owner and operator of a 160 unit replacement program on two sites. The Hope VI Program requires a very competitive funding application that includes strong sustainability incentives measured using Leed and/or Enterprise Green community checklist criteria. The Fairfax Gardens funding application was successful in part because it committed to very aggressive energy conservation measures.

Getting to Zero: High Performance Mechanical Systems and Other Strategies for Commercial Buildings in Cold Climates

Significantly reducing energy use in commercial buildings is a challenge. Doing so in cold climates even more so. Getting to Net Zero Energy use in these climates, now that’s what we call a tough. But with good design and engaged tenants, the near impossible becomes entirely possible, practical, and fun. This panel will describe key strategies for greatly reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings in cold climates with a focus on smart choices for building design, high performance mechanical systems and the tenant’s role.

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