Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation

CSNDC’s Bold Energy Transition

Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) is taking bold steps toward a more sustainable future with a comprehensive Building Decarbonization Roadmap (BDR) developed by PowerOptions. With a portfolio of 19 buildings covering nearly 400,000 square feet, CSNDC is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring long-term energy affordability for the communities it serves. The BDR illustrates how leveraging energy efficiency upgrades, electrification, and on-site solar, will put CSNDC on track to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while realizing approximately $18 million in savings.

Roadmap to Net Zero

PowerOptions’ analysis outlined a clear, cost-effective pathway for CSNDC to eliminate fossil fuel dependence and transition to clean energy. Key components of the roadmap include:

• Energy Efficiency Measures: Upgrades such as building automation systems, lighting and plug load reductions, air sealing, and insulation improvements will cut energy use and costs significantly.
  Estimated investment: $3.7M, with $1.5M in incentives.
• Electrification: Replacing aging fossil-fuel-based heating and water heating systems with high-efficiency heat pumps and induction ranges.
  Projected investment: $3.8M – $5.2M, with strong MassSave incentives reducing net costs.
• On-Site Solar: Installing solar photovoltaic systems on 14 buildings will generate clean electricity, reducing reliance on the grid. CSNDC has the option to own the solar arrays or utilize a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) structure, which requires no up-front capital.
  Estimated net cost for ownership model: $1M after incentives, with savings of $400K by 2050 for both models.
• Compliance with BERDO: The roadmap ensures CSNDC’s 15 BERDO-covered buildings meet emissions reduction mandates, avoiding up to $3M in potential non-compliance penalties.
• Financial Impact: Total estimated investment after incentives: $7.5M, with potential savings of up to $18M by 2050 through lower energy costs and avoided penalties.

A Transformational Impact

The decarbonization plan not only ensures environmental benefits but also enhances affordability and resilience for CSNDC’s residents. Implementing these strategies will stabilize energy costs, reduce operational expenses and align with Boston’s ambitious climate goals.