1. Contact Information
New Rochelle Department of Development
Nina Arron
Director of Planning & Sustainability
914.654.2183
For more information visit http://
www.newrochelleny.com/index.aspx?nid=346
Sustainable Retro-Fit
Handbook for Mid to
High Rise Buildings in
the City of New Rochelle
A guide to remodeling that will save money,
energy and the planet.

2. Introduction
Contained within this handbook are scores of specific and
achievable recommendations which are aimed at improving the
cost-effectiveness and property value of your building through
potential tax incentives. Greener buildings provide residents
with higher performance, less waste, a healthier environment to
live in, as well as greater energy efficiency than normal
buildings. This handbook will guide you along your retrofitting
journey and will provide you with all the information you will
need in order to make your building more energy efficient and
eco-friendly.
The overall costs to retrofit an apartment building with green
elements varies depending on the age and construction of the
building. However, the cost for a whole-building green retrofit is
estimated to fall between $2 and $7 per square foot (Interior
Retrofit 48). From a purely financial perspective, the average
period for the return on this investment is anywhere between
two and fifteen years.
The benefits of green retrofitting apartment buildings are
tremendous. First and foremost, changes such as energy efficient
lightbulbs and windows will cut utility bills significantly. Since
utility costs are on average $2.50 per square foot, a highly attain-
able 20% reduction in energy use due to green retrofitting would
cut that average cost to $2 per square foot. Interior Retrofit 49
2

3. Table of Contents
I. Incentive Programs and Websites………………………....….6
II. Roofing Improvements
1. Green Roof………………………………….…….…7
2.White Roof……………………………………….…..9
III. Electricity
1.Solar……………………………………………….....11
2.LED Lighting………………………………………..13
IV. Water Waste Management
1.Low Flush Toilets…………………………………...15
2.Water Fixtures……………………………………….17
V. Energy Waste Reduction
1.Windows……………………………………...….….19
2. HVAC and Thermostats…………………………….21
3. Insulation…………………………………………...23
4. Boiler Improvements……………………………….25
5. Water Heater Improvement…………………………27
4

4. NYSERDA Commercial Existing Facilities Program
There are two paths offered by NYSERDA and two different types of incen-
tive qualification. The Pre-Qualified path is for smaller projects and offers
up to $30,000 in incentives. The Performance-Based path is for larger pro-
jects which have two-measure categories as well as savings such as 250,000
kWh and 2,000 MMBtu per year. This path offers up to $500,000 in incen-
tives. The application can be found on the website as well as more detailed
information.
http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Existing-Facilities-
Program
Energy Star Certification
Established in 1992 by the EPA, under the Clean Air Act Section 103, Ener-
gy Star is a voluntary program to reduce air pollutions. To qualify for an En-
ergy Star certification, a building must have a score of 75 or higher, proving
that it performs better than at least 75 percent of similar buildings. Certifica-
tion can be approved by a licensed professional, this including professional
engineer or registered architect. Energy Star offers a wide variety of prod-
ucts such as appliances, building products, heating and cooling systems,
lighting and water heaters. Energy Star offers rebates as well.
Green and Save
Learn more about return on investment, payback period, costs, and annual
savings of specific green changes at http://www.greenandsave.com/
Loans and Incentives
 The DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®)
outlines the 71 incentives, loans, and programs offered for the City of
New Rochelle.
http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NY
 The Fannie Mae Green Initiative is a Loan Program which can help to re-
duce the cost of energy efficient implementations.
https://www.fanniemae.com/multifamily/green-initiative
6

5. Roofing Improvements
Green Roofs
http://greencitygrowers.com/blog/green-roofs-on-every-building/
Overview
 Depending on your budget and the size of your rooftop, you can implement
a green roof that is as simple as greenery or as elaborate as a rooftop gar-
den. These sorts of roofs can increase your property value, reduce energy
and maintenance costs, and moderate the temperature of your building dur-
ing both the summer and winter months.
Actions
 If you are interested in installing a green roof for your building, consult a
Green Roof Professional or contact a green roof manufacturer directly and
speak to a sales representative. Contact info for Green Roof Professionals
can be found in the Members Directory at http://www.greenroofs.org/
index.php/membership/findagreenroofpro?task=search&sid=55
Green Roofs
Benefits (ROI)
The primary benefit of a green roof is reduced energy costs. Re-
search suggests that an extensive green roof can reduce air condition-
ing demand in the summer by 75%.
The cost of installing a green roof depends on its extensiveness,
however on average one can be installed for $10-24 per square foot.
Subsidies and Incentives
 Programs such as the Fannie Mae Green Initiative Loan provide fi-
nancial support for buildings making general green changes to their
buildings, including roofing (DSIRE)
Payback Period: 10 years
Added Costs: $8,000
Annual Savings: $800
Ten Year Savings: $16,000
Return on Investment: 10%
Useful Links
 www.goodgreennyc.com
 www.alivestructures.com
 www.newyorkgreenroofs.com
 www.hvcnyc.com
 http://www.greenroofs.org/
 Compare energy savings of a green roof to either a conventional roof or a reflective roof
at http://greenbuilding.pdx.edu/GR_CALC_v2/grcalc_v2.php#retain
87

6. Roofing Improvements
White Roofs
http://www.whiteroofproject.org/
Overview
Bill De Blasio did it in NYC, so why can’t you do it in New Rochelle?
Painting your apartment building’s roof white is one of the quickest and
easiest ways to reduce your energy bills. White paint reflects 85+% of
the sun’s rays. It’s elasticity and rubber content make it more durable
than tar roofs.
Actions
DIY Instructions:
White paint can be placed right over black tar, aluminum, or rubber
2 gallons of paint covers about 100 square feet of roof
More instructions found at http://www.whiteroofproject.org/diy
White Roofs
Benefits (ROI)
Save your building up to 30% on electricity bills in the summer.
Calculate how much your building would save with a white roof at
http://rsc.ornl.gov/
White roof paint/ coating costs roughly $27 per gallon, depending
on the brand
Subsidies and Incentives
NYSERDA does not currently include white roofing in its rebate
program.
Useful Links
www.coolroofs.org
www.whiteroofproject.org
http://rsc.ornl.gov/
http://www.nyc.gov/html/coolroofs/html/home/home.shtml
http://www.emagazine.com/earth-talk/saving-energy-with-white-roofs 109

7. Electricity Improvements
Solar
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/05/11/historic-buildings-going-solar/
Overview
 By installing solar panels, electricity bills can be reduced by up to 90%. In
addition, solar panels have a fixed rate. By lowering a building’s carbon
footprint, it allows for a step forward towards a more sustainable city.
 Corridor Lighting accounts for over 10% of the average multifamily unit’s
energy consumption.
Actions
 Consult a NABCEP Certified installation company
 Look into NYSERDA financial incentives
Benefits
 Selling unused energy back to provider
 Using solar to heat
 Minimizing carbon footprint
 Fixed pricing
 On average the R.O.I is 14% after 25 years!
Solar
Subsidies and Incentives
 By using a New Rochelle certified solar installer, local and state in-
centives combined can save up to 60% on installation. New York
State offers two programs, the Multifamily Performance Program,
and NY Sun (Solar Electric) that works with owners. Other things in-
clude: Federal Tax Credits, and State Tax Credits. Cash rebates are
offered, and paper work is typically handled with the installer. Utili-
ties companies may also provide incentives.
Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
 http://coned.com/energyefficiency/residential_multifamily.asp
Payback Period: 10.8 years
Added Costs: $13,000
Annual Savings: $1,200
Ten Year Savings: $60,000
Return on Investment: 9.2%
Useful Links
www.sungevity.com
www.solarcity.com
http://sustainablewestchester.org/hidden-latest-news/64-solar-
resources
http://www.solarizewestchester.com/
http://solarsimplified.org/solar-resources/calculate-your-solar-
savings
http://www.solarpowerrocks.com/new-york/westchester/
http://www.wholesalesolar.com/solar-information/state-solar-
incentives/new-york
11 12

8. Electricity Improvements
LED Lighting
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/LED_bulbs.jpg
Overview
 LED light bulbs almost maintenance free as well as very long-lasting.
While they are more expensive in the original purchase, they use up to
85% less energy than traditional light bulbs and produce no heat, reducing
air cooling costs as well.
Actions
 In order to switch to LED light, it’s as simple as replacing pre-existing
light bulbs with LED light bulbs, offered in all wattages, or it’s possible to
put in specific light fixtures for LED light bulbs.
LED Lighting
Benefits
 The generic 60W LED light bulb costs about $4.97/pack of 2 light
bulbs. While CFL light bulbs cost $8.97 per pack of 4, LED last up to
10 years and have a non-hazardous clean-up.
 Uses 8.5 Watts
 Many different options sold at most large hardware stores.
 The calculated return on investment found on the Green Lighting
LED website shows that the average commercial unit could save up
to $2,313.36 per year on lighting an overall average of $38,987. The
average pay back in months is 18.1 months to get your money back.
Subsidies and Incentives
 Con Edison offers various incentives and rebates, for example
Prescriptive Rebates for Lighting, LEDs, and Lighting Control
Equipment
Payback Period: 2.7 years
Added Costs: $108
Annual Savings: $40
Ten Year Savings: $400
Return on Investment: 37%
Useful Links
 http://commercial.coned.com/incentives-and-rebates/
 http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=NY
 https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=lighting.pr_what_are
1413

9. Water Waste Management
Low-Flush Toilets
http://inhabitat.com/nyc/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2012/03/low-flow-toilet.jpg
Overview
Low flush toilets are also a great way to reduce water waste. Low-flush toi-
lets save on average 5.4 gallons of water per flush. If they are super
efficient, they save even more by having two options, one for liquid waste
and one for solid waste. If low-flush isn’t an option for your building,
replacing toilet’s rubber flapper every so often works just as well.
Actions
It is easy to replace an outdated toilet with the WATERSENSE® label low
flow toilet. There are a wide variety of styles and colors of low flow toilets to
choose in the market. We recommend some low flow toilets with a large flush
valve, a powerful flush and easy repair as follows: Toto “Drake”, Toto "Ultra
Max”, Gerber "Ultra Flush”, Kohler “Cimarron”,
Jacuzzi “Perfecta”, Crane “Economiser”, American Standard “Champion”.
Low-Flush Toilets
Benefits
 Water-efficient toilets can reduce the amount of water bill for house-
hold. The newest low flow toilet styles merely needs as little as 1.6
gallons of water per flush as compared to a standard toilet which
needs from 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush. According to the ToolBase Ser-
vices, a family of four can save up to 22,000 gallons of water per
year if they choose low-flow toilet.
Subsidies and Incentives
 Businesses owners are eligible to receive rebates on low flow toilet
improvements. The terms of the New York Toilet Retrofit Program
shows that it offers a rebate of up to $240 on the installed cost of the
replacement of an outdated toilet with a modern, low-consumption
toilet. The rebate applies only to the first bathroom in a residential
dwelling unit (apartment, house), while additional bathroom toilet
retrofits qualify for a $150 rebate.
Payback Period: 2 years
Added Costs: $50
Annual Savings: $25
Ten Year Savings: $250
Return on Investment: 50%
Useful Links
 http://challengeforsustainability.org/toolkit/water-efficiency/office-
fixtures/
 http://www.newrochelleny.com/greeNRdraft
 http://www.megacitiesproject.org/pdf/publications_pdf_mcp019b.pdf
 http://www.mwra.state.ma.us/comsupport/conservation/toilets.htm
 http://feapc.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/FEA-Vol.-16-no.4-
lowres.pdf
1615

10. Water Waste Management
Water Fixtures
Overview
Water waste accounts for a large part of overall efficiency loss in any
home. Leaky faucets in particular account for 1 trillion gallons of water
wasted annually. Simply replacing faucets, showerheads, and replacing
pipes or adjusting pipes is enough to reduce waste significantly.
WaterSense, a partnership with the United States Environmental
Protective Agency, is an independent organization that reviews and
certifies eco-friendly plumbing and water fixtures.
A WaterSense certification indicates that the fixture is 20% more
efficient.
Faucets
Did You Know: A faucet leak of one drop per second can waste 3–7
gallons of water per day.
Using a certified faucet can reduce up to 30% water waste
On average saves up to 500 gallons per year
Shower Heads
A WaterSense certified shower head uses 2 gallons compared to the
typical 5 gallon shower head flow.
On average, a 10 minute shower with a 5 gallon is using up to 1,500
gallons. Switching to can save 750 gallons.
Actions
 Purchasing and adding certified faucets and showerheads.
 Adding aerator to decrease flow, yet keep the desired pressure.
 Turning off water when not using it. For example, while brushing teeth. By
turning off
the faucet, can save up to 3,000 gallons of water per year.
 Measure water flow. Some faucets are premarked. To figure out gallon per
minute, fill up a marked gallon bucket, while timing with a stop watch.
When filled, divide the amount of time by 60. The resulting product will
give the GPM.
 Check plumbing tape around piping. Installing new tape can stop leaking.
Water Fixtures
Benefits
Replacing an old shower head has an investment return at the
general rate of 3 months. Pricing is the same and can save anywhere be-
tween $300 to $500 in reduced energy and costs during the
lifetime.
By switching faucets, an average household of two can save up to $450
within the estimated 10 year lifespan of the faucet.
Subsidies and Incentives
Nationally, the Energywise Multifamily Program can provide certain
low cost measurements at no cost to building owners with 5-75 units.
Home Depot, Lowes and other home improvement centers offer
rebates on appliances.
Water Efficient Shower Heads
Payback Period: 0.9 years
Added Costs: $180
Annual Savings: $300
Ten Year Savings: $3,000
Return on Investment: 111.1%
Useful Links
http://www.scgh.com/go-green/
water-fixtures-and-plumbing/water-
wise-showers-and-faucets/
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/
administration_pdf/
certwaterprogs.pdf
http://
www.ecooptions.homedepot.com/
water-conservation/
http://chinawaterrisk.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/water-efficient-applicances.jpg
18

11. Energy Waste Reduction
Window Replacements
Overview
 Windows are one of the biggest energy wasters. If the building is older, it’s
likely that the windows are single pane. Most air is lost through poor or
damaged sealing on the window. Single pane windows don’t seal the
window properly, thus much air is lost through poor window quality as
well. Since windows are transparent, they also are great at warming in the
winter, but are terrible for the summer. Cooling costs can often be more
expensive in the summer due to overheated rooms because of sunlight.
 (USDE: http://energy.gov/energysaver/weatherstripping)
Window Replacements
Actions
 Replacing windows with double pane windows
 Switching window style from traditional slide-up, to hopper, awning,
sliding, fixed, double hung, or casement.
 Caulking seals on existing windows
 Air-stripping
 Placing film on windows that receive the most sunlight
Benefits
 Let’s say there’s an average of 4 windows in each unit, which means
there’s 580 windows in an 145 unit building. At around $425 per win-
dow, that’s $246,500 in installation costs--a very daunting number.
However, there is about a 70% return on investment for installing new
windows. Not to mention the added $130-450 in yearly savings on ener-
gy bills. So even though it will cost in the initial, the savings will add up
and help off-set the cost.
 The cheaper option is, of course resealing windows or adding weather-
stripping. This is significantly cheaper than replacing windows and
saves up to %10 on your energy bill.
Subsidies and Incentives
 Multi-Family Performance Program through NYSERDA
Payback Period: 2.3 years
Added Costs: $700
Annual Savings: $300
Ten Year Savings: $3.000
Return on Investment: 42.9%
Useful Links
www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-windows
http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Funding-Opportunities/Current-
Funding-Opportunities/Multifamily-Performance-Program 2019

12. Energy Waste Reduction
HVAC Units and Thermostats
http://www.york.com/residential/products/air-conditioners/affinity/18-seer-unit-czh.aspx
Overview
 One of the best ways to control heating/cooling loss is by installing a pro-
grammable thermostat in each unit. This way tenants can heat and cool
their units themselves, which saves money and lots of energy.
Actions
 An Energy Star thermostat includes a scheduling program that will control
the length of time that heat/air will run. For example at night or weekdays.
 Consult with an electrician to discuss the installation process and fee upon
installing a thermostats into each unit. This provides for a time to ask
questions.
 Think about installing an Energy Star HVAC unit.
HVAC Units and Thermostats
Benefits
 Installing a programmable thermostat will save around $200 annually
per thermostat.
 Replacing your HVAC unit with an Energy Star HVAC unit will save
you over $115 on your monthly energy bill.
Subsidies and Incentives
 Home Depot offer a rebate on selected programmable thermostats.
 Central Hudson Gas & Electric (Electric) - Residential Energy
Efficiency Rebate Program (New York)- $25 rebate
 Central Hudson Gas & Electric (Gas) - Residential Energy Efficiency
Rebate Program (New York)- $25 rebate
 Con-Ed offers up to a $200 rebate on installing an Energy efficient
HVAC unit.
Programmable Thermostat
Payback Period: 0.6 years
Added Costs: $115
Annual Savings: $180
Ten Year Savings: $1,800
Return on Investment: 156.5%
Useful Links
 http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/make-your-rental-more-energy-
efficient-167808
 https://www.energystar.gov/
products/heating_cooling/
programmable_thermostats
 http://www6.homedepot.com/
rebatefinder/index.html?
redirect=true
http://programmable-thermostats-review.toptenreviews.com 2221

13. Energy Waste Reduction
Insulation
www.lowes.com
Overview
 Air sealing can be done throughout the unit to ensure no air is lost through
cracks or holes in the walls or floors. Another way to ensure less heat loss
in installing more insulation. Insulation not only makes each unit more
comfortable for the tenant or renter, but it also is much more cost effective.
 Air is also lost through poor outlet insulation. This is again a simple prob-
lem to fix, all that is needed to insulate an outlet is caulk and outlet/switch
plate seals. This is a small project that saves huge amounts of energy as
well as money.
Insulation
Actions
 Find out what kind of insulation works best with your building’s con-
struction (foam, fiberglass, etc). Ask a consultant.
 Pre-1980 building, you most likely need to update the insulation.
 Caulk and seal around windows and doors, install heavy insulation in
walls, ceilings, and roof. Check heating ducts for leaks.
Benefits
 Use the Home Energy Saver Calculator to determine the estimated cost
of insulation installation and the overall return of investment.
 Improving the overall insulation of your building can save you up to
15% on heating and cooling costs.
Subsidies and Incentives
 National Grid (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Pro-
grams (Upstate New York), National Grid residential electric customers
in Upstate New York are eligible for several incentives. Each feet of
pipeline will be eligible for rebates with $0.50, for building managers of
apartment or condominium complex with 5-50 units per building.
 Con-Ed rebate for air sealing on ducts and air vents: up to $100 / vent.
Seal Duct Leaks
Payback Period: 1.5 years
Added Costs: $450
Annual Savings: $300
Ten Year Savings: $3,000
Return on Investment: 66.7%
Useful Links
 http://energy.gov/energysaver/adding-insulation-existing-home
 http://hes.lbl.gov/consumer/ i
 http://energy.gov/public-services/homes/home-weatherization/insulation
2423

14. Energy Waste Reduction
Boiler Improvements
https://www.koscocomfort.com/Equipment/Heating_Systems/index.php
Overview
 The boiler conversions improve burner efficiency, provide financial sav-
ings, a reduction in carbon emission.
Actions
 Switch to a system of smaller boilers to reduce “short cycling”
 It is beneficial for building owners to install high-efficiency and low-
emission wood heating systems without access to natural gas.
 We recommend two kinds of wood heating systems: advanced cordwood
boiler with thermal storage and wood pellet boiler with thermal storage
Boiler Improvements
Benefits
 New high-efficiency systems are automated and cleaner burning.
 More efficient combustion means less fuel is required.
 Incentives help offset the cost of replacing or supplementing existing
systems and installing new systems.
Subsidies and Incentives
 With advanced cordwood boiler with thermal storage, incentives are
available total up to $10,000 including 25% of installed cost up to
$5,000 per unit, with an additional $5,000 for documented recycling
(removal and destruction) of old outdoor or indoor wood boiler. Up to
$5,000 per installed unit is available for buildings with existing oil heat
or propane.
 Wood Pellet Boiler with Thermal Storage, incentives are available in-
cluding 45% of installed cost up to $36,000 based on system size, with
an additional $5,000 for documented recycling (removal and destruc-
tion) of old outdoor or indoor wood boiler.
Useful Links
 http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Renewable-Heat-
NY
 http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Renewable-Heat-
NY/Advanced-Cordwood-Boiler (including the contact lists of quali-
fied installer)
 http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Renewable-Heat-
NY/Small-Pellet-Boiler
25 26

15. Energy Waste Reduction
Water Heater Improvements
Overview
 Because water heaters tend to consume a large percentage of energy and
outdated tanks can be inefficient, implementing a solar water heater system
replacement can save you money and protect our environment.
Water Heater Improvements
Actions
 It is important to check the water heater settings and make sure it’s set
at the lowest comfortable setting so that energy is not wasted.
 We recommend an Energy Star qualified solar water heating system.
 Install a properly insulated Energy Star water heater
Benefits
 Saving up to 50% on your electric bills for residents by going solar,
around $140 annually or $2,900 over the lifetime of the water heater.
 Carbon footprint is lowered up to 50% according to Energy Star.
 The average life expectancy of 20 years, much longer than standard gas
or electric storage water heaters.
Subsidies and Incentives
 There is a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost of alternative solar hot
water heaters installed on or in. If your credit is more than the tax you
owe, you can carry forward the unused portion of this credit to next
year’s tax return. This credit is available through 2016. https://
www.irs.gov/uac/Cut-Taxes-and-Save-on-Energy-Bills-with-Home-
Energy-Credits
Payback Period: 3.1 years
Added Costs: $150
Annual Savings: $48
Ten Year Savings: $480
Return on Investment: 32%
Useful Links
 http://ny-sun.ny.gov/For-Local-Government/Local-Government
 https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?
c=solar_wheat.pr_savings_benefits
2827