Jack Satter House, a supportive housing community for 300 low-income seniors in Revere, Massachusetts announced that it has received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of its new Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing. The grant, which is the first of its kind in New England, will fund infrastructure upgrades and other retrofits to reduce utility costs by approximately 25 percent, cut water consumption, and improve indoor air quality. Jack Satter House is sponsored by Boston-based nonprofit Hebrew SeniorLife, a leader in geriatric health care, research, teaching and housing, and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School.
“Not only will this grant result in significant energy efficiency improvements and cost savings at Jack Satter House, it will serve as a model for how other organizations can incorporate sustainable, green building elements to create environmentally friendly communities,” said Len Fishman, CEO of Hebrew SeniorLife.
The one-year improvement project will include a variety of retrofits, including installation of EnergyStar-rated refrigerators and air conditioners, replacement of old boilers with new high-efficiency condensing boilers, installation of a combined heat and power electric co-generation plant, upgraded energy efficient lighting, low-flow aerators, shower heads and toilets, and the use of non-toxic paints, adhesives and sealants throughout. The renovation will enhance the quality of life for residents, increase energy efficiency, and generate approximately $180,000 in annual utility savings.
Hebrew SeniorLife was awarded grant funding through a highly competitive process from a pool of 769 applicants. HUD officials reviewed a variety of project criteria, including financial feasibility and the building’s physical condition, before allocating the $250 million in available Green Retrofit Program funds nationwide.
“This funding will not only improve the quality of life for the residents of Jack Satter House, but will lower energy costs and create quality green jobs at the same time,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “This is an example of the kind of long-term, fundamental impact the Recovery Act is having on America’s economy through clean energy investments.”
