Summary:
The Community Music School occupies a historic 40,000 sf building and is dedicated to providing high quality music education, arts instruction, and performing arts presentations. However, the building’s circa 1930 low-pressure steam system and 40 year-old air conditioning system were inefficient, unreliable and expensive to maintain. The failing HVAC system was replaced with an ultra-efficient energy recovery chiller. The advanced technology utilized incorporates a hybrid geothermal/solar thermal system, high efficiency, low emission condensing boiler technology as back up heat, and high efficiency hydronic fan coil units using existing ductwork where feasible.
Unique Features:
The new hybrid system has reduced energy use by 55%, curbed carbon emissions by roughly 75 tons, trimmed maintenance costs by an estimated $10,000 per year, improved comfort and air quality, and increased usable space in school by 15%. The energy savings achieved offset the loan payments resulting in a cash flow neutral financial impact. The result is a sustainable model of repurposing historic structures in urban areas.