CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Chattanooga Housing Authority (CHA) and Honeywell have announced the kickoff of a 12-year project designed to reduce energy consumption at 18 housing authority sites while substantially decreasing emissions. The project involves energy- and water-saving retrofits - performed under a $10 million energy savings performance contract between CHA and Honeywell - expected to generate savings of more than $1.25 million per year for the CHA and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Under the contract, Honeywell will install energy-efficient lighting and programmable thermostats for residents and common areas, and replace electric-resistance wall heaters with high-efficiency heat pumps in some units. Technicians also will install low-flow plumbing fixtures and appliances to reduce water consumption, among other improvements.

With the performance contract, Honeywell guarantees that the energy and water savings will completely fund the upgrades and will not change CHA operating budgets.

"The performance contract provides an infusion of capital funds for improvements and helps save taxpayer dollars," said Matt Powell, executive director of the Chattanooga Housing Authority. "With assistance from Honeywell and HUD, we will be able to meet our energy-efficiency goals and save money in the process."

The project offers a number of benefits for Chattanooga and its residents. Anticipated annual savings include:

Electricity saved: 11 million kilowatt-hours

Clean drinking water saved: 57 million gallons

Carbon dioxide emissions reduced: 16.8 million pounds

Sulfur dioxide emissions reduced: 82,700 pounds

Nitrogen oxide emissions reduced: 39,000 pounds

Mercury emissions reduced: 122 grams

According to Honeywell, the amount of electricity saved could power more than 1,000 homes on average per year. In addition, the reduction in carbon dioxide is equivalent to taking 1,400 cars off the road. The project also will provide long-term employment and training opportunities for CHA residents, and include the participation of local minority- and female-owned businesses.

Publication date: 06/06/2005