Background
The Laconia Housing Authority oversees 10 properties, providing 351 affordable apartments to New Hampshire residents. Through a strategic partnership with Eversource and approved contractor Resilient Buildings Group (RBG), the Housing Authority has implemented a wide range of energy efficiency upgrades across its properties.
At its 13 Summer Street location, an 8-unit affordable housing complex, the Laconia Housing Authority once again turned to Eversource and RBG to identify and implement upgrades that would reduce energy use, improve building performance and enhance comfort for residents.
Goal
As strategic partners, the Laconia Housing Authority relied on RBG and Eversource to advise them on which energyefficient technologies, building methods and incentive programs would best support their needs and long-term capital planning.
For the Summer Street complex, the Housing Authority was preparing for capital improvements and recognized an opportunity to integrate cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades through the NHSaves® programs, maximizing impact while minimizing project costs.
Approximate Energy Savings
- Annual Electric Savings: 20,000 kWh
- Annual Oil Savings: 199 MMBtu
- Incentive Received: $53,500
Solution
RBG created a comprehensive energy efficiency plan to tighten the building envelope, reduce drafts and improve overall resident comfort. The scope of work included:
- Replacing 14 windows and 11 doors with ENERGY STAR® certified models
- Insulating basement walls
- Adding a vapor barrier over the dirt crawl space to help mitigate ground moisture
- Applying pipe wrap to domestic hot water lines to prevent heat loss
- Attic insulation and air sealing
- Spray foam around windows, doors, attic areas and basement gaps to eliminate drafts
- Installing energy-efficient bathroom exhaust fans
- Adding smart thermostats in each unit to help residents better manage energy use
By participating in the NHSaves Home Energy Assistance program, the Laconia Housing Authority received expert guidance and incentives that made these upgrades financially feasible. These improvements are projected to reduce energy usage by over 199 MMBtu and 20,000 kWh annually.
For tenants at 13 Summer Street these upgrades translate into a more comfortable, healthier living environment year-round. For Laconia Housing Authority, the project represents a cost‑effective investment in the long‑term sustainability of its affordable housing portfolio.
“Any housing authority should take advantage of the NHSaves energy efficiency programs. With Eversource and Resilient Buildings Group’s guidance and expertise, we have been able to leverage these programs to help us make capital improvements to our affordable housing portfolio that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do.”
— Cathy Bowler
Laconia Housing Authority