Energy Performance Contract (EPC)

CMHA was selected as a finalist for the Crain's Cleveland Business Emerald Award for our implementation of dramatic sustainability changes that reduce costs and preserve the earth's resources. On September 22nd, we were honored at the awards ceremony as a community leader in sustainability when Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine presented the Authority with an award for our Energy Performance Contract and our subsequent sustainability efforts.

In the fall of 2006, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) began construction on a $33.6 million Energy Performance Contract which is the largest of this type in the history of public housing.  It is estimated that CMHA will save at least $3.8 million annually in utility costs.

New energy efficient lighting, furnaces and hot water heaters, and water conserving devices such as 1.6gpf pressure assisted toilets, low-flow showerheads, and faucet aerators were installed in nearly 7,000 residential housing units and in building common areas.

In addition to these improvements most of our freestanding homes have been fitted with new energy efficient windows and blinds.  Weatherization and insulation completed the energy "envelope" to keep the unwanted climate out and to keep the heated or cooled air in, depending on the season.

Some of our high-rise buildings have received new windows, blinds, and roof replacements.  At one of our low-rise family clusters, we have completed installation of green roof technology.  We are very excited about this, and you can learn more about this energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology in the "EPC Green Roofs" link on this site.

Six of our high-rise buildings have received new central heating boilers which are rated 96% efficient and just a fraction of the size of the older boilers.  At all of our public housing high-rise buildings, we have installed building automation systems which can remotely monitor and control building climate. 

We completed the construction phase of the EPC in December 2007. Now, our efforts will focus on the review and audit of utility costs to verify and maximize the projected savings.