Redesign project launched to make Bostons public housing more efficient

on Friday,March 19,2010 20:03

Public housing facilities in Boston are about to get a bit greener, as city officials have launched a series of exterior and interior design projects that will make these buildings more energy-efficient.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino has announced that most of the Boston Housing Authority's facilities will undergo renovations to help these homes conserve more water and energy. Approximately 6,300 apartments at 13 public housing developments will benefit from the initiative, which is expected to cost $63 million.

Through the project, these facilities will receive more efficient water closets, showerheads and faucet aerators, sustainable lighting fixtures, electric heating and cooling systems, photovoltaic power generators, fiberglass windows as well as cooling roof membranes. In addition, an education, training and employment program will be launched to help residents promote sustainable living.

Mayor Menino said that the initiative will be "saving energy, creating almost 600 jobs, saving the taxpayers' money and improving low-income neighborhoods all at the same time."

Ameresco, a Framingham, Massachusetts-based clean energy solutions company, will provide engineering, design and implementation services for the project, which is slated to begin this summer.