MEA Road Trip: Energy Efficiency at B’nai B’rith Homecrest House

by Kaymie Owen, CMP, Communications Manager

from the left: Carol Cohen-Wolfe, Nevin Kamal, Dean Fisher, David Giusti, Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, Director Mary Beth Tung, Joe Podson and Jeff Sample

B’nai B’rith Homecrest House is a not for profit, non-denominational community consisting of three multi-story apartment buildings, 277 units in total, each reflecting a contemporary design and offering a variety of amenities. Qualifying residents (based on net income) may receive subsidies for rent in the Stein and Moskowitz Independent Living Communities and for both rent and services in the Edwards Personal Care Community.

Lt. Governor Rutherford inspects the new air conditioner unit with MEA staff, Dean Fisher and David Giusti

A $190,000  dollar Maryland Energy Administration Clean Energy Communities Low-to-Moderate Income Grant was used to upgrade the air conditioner / chiller here at B’nai B’rith Homecrest House. The old chiller was unreliable, breaking frequently on hot days. Previously when the old chiller would break, residents would be unable to remain in their apartments due to the heat. Residents would be co-located to the common areas where additional chillers could be brought in to keep residents cool and safe. This new energy efficient chill ensures the senior residents will be healthy despite high heat and humid weather, and minimize chiller breakage issues which will prevent hospitalizations.

MEA Director Tung, B’nai B’rith Homecrest House Executive Staff and Lt. Governor Rutherford

The energy savings with the new chiller is 219,639 kilowatts per year or 39 kilowatts per month which translates into a $24,072 per year. The overall energy savings represents a 20 percent reduction in the baseline energy consumption for this property. The money saved with this energy efficient upgrade will be used to expand services like improving the onsite fitness center, library, beauty salon, gardens or resident transportation to local shops.