B’nai B’rith Apartments
Location: Reading, PA
Client: Connolly And Partners LLC
Completion Date: 2025
Project Type: Multi-family, Deep Energy Retrofit
Project Overview
B’nai B’rith Apartments has been a cornerstone of affordable senior living in Reading, PA since 1978. Currently undergoing a Deep Energy Retrofit (DER), this project aims to enhance sustainability and comfort while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Key Objectives
Enhance Sustainability: Implementing advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce overall energy consumption.
Improve Comfort: Upgrading to high-performance heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to ensure a comfortable living environment.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Utilizing practical and affordable solutions to keep the project within budget.
Retrofit Details
The retrofit focuses on significant upgrades to the building's exterior shell and mechanical systems:
Prefabricated Exterior Wall System: Leveraging our experience from past DER projects, we are installing prefabricated wall panels that integrate insulation and air sealing, optimizing both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Improved Roof Insulation: Enhancing the roof's insulation to prevent heat loss and improve thermal performance.
Efficient Electric Systems: Replacing outdated systems with efficient electric heating, cooling, ventilation, and domestic hot water systems.
Innovative HVAC Integration
To minimize disruption to residents, we have incorporated a new monoblock HVAC system into the window panels. This innovative approach simplifies the renovation process by integrating wall and window panels with mechanical systems, which can be installed from the exterior, allowing residents to stay in their homes during the improvements.
Renewable Energy Implementation
To further enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, the project will utilize solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof and relevant facades. This renewable energy generation will contribute to reducing utility expenses and the building's carbon footprint.
Resident Impact
Our primary goal is to significantly reduce energy consumption while allowing residents to remain in their homes throughout the renovation. This approach ensures minimal disruption and maintains the quality of life for the senior residents of B’nai B’rith Apartments.
Conclusion
The DER project at B’nai B’rith Apartments represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable senior living. By focusing on exterior shell improvements and efficient systems integration, we aim to provide a comfortable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly living environment for the residents.
