Projects - Choices for Youth Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Supportive and Affordable Housing
Location: St. John’s
Funding Amount: $400,000
Sector: Buildings
Current Status: Under Construction
Estimate GHG reduction Potential: 53 tonnes of GHG (CO2 equivalents) per year
Project Summary:
Choices for Youth (CFY) acquired 52-58 Bond Street in 2007 (the former Lilly & Co site) and has demolished a portion of the building. CFY plans to completely renovate the remaining structure to provide supportive, affordable housing for 14 youth, ages 16-25, in one- and two-bedroom apartments by September 2009. With assistance from the NL Green Fund, the project will incorporate comprehensive energy performance features that will significantly reduce GHG emissions. CFY is working with the project manager to engage youth from its trades training program in implementing efficiency measures, thereby transferring GHG-reduction skills to a new generation of tradespersons.
The 1,000 square meter Lilly building will include permanent program space for CFY’s new pre-employment program and the Youth at Promise Program, a basic literacy/math skills program operated by our partner organization, the Community Youth Network. The combination of residential and program space will enable the delivery of this new, innovative program to help youth gain the skills necessary for independence while living in a supportive, affordable apartment. Youth will be fully involved in the renovation process, gaining valuable employment skills in construction, and learning to work in a team environment with professional mentors.
The government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the NL Green Fund provided funding to upgrade the base building design with the energy conservation design criteria to reduce GHG emissions. The upgrades consist of increased insulation in the walls, ceiling and floors, the installation of heat pumps, high efficiency windows, appliances and light fixtures.
Based on modelling provided by their consultant, the estimated GHG reductions are calculated at 53.37(t) annually, which is a reduction of 55% from 97.9 to 44.5t per year. Energy cost will go from $15,000/year to $7600/year.
