(MANHATTAN, KS – AUG 11, 2021) The United States Department of Energy recognized Manhattan Housing Authority (MHA) for its success in the Better Buildings Challenge. The MHA Apartment Towers and Carlson Plaza hold 135 apartments in 75 thousand square feet of multi-family public housing in downtown Manhattan, Kansas. In 2015, MHA partnered with DOE’s “Better Building Challenge” to measure energy reduction and committed to realizing at least 20% of energy savings by 2025.
MHA has already achieved between 13-16% of the energy savings and is well on pace to exceed the 20% goal for 2025. “You are on track to meet your energy savings target and achieve meaningful energy cost savings across your building portfolio. We value your exemplary leadership and willingness to share your successful energy efficiency strategies and solutions with the market,” stated a letter received by MHA from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Much of the savings has come from the renovations done between 2016-2018 to the 88 units of public housing at the Apartment Towers. MHA measured its success based on (a) energy savings realized; (b) completion of the building rehabilitation; and (c) placing 88 affordable housing units back in service for low-income persons. MHA was able to meet all three metrics and continues to measure energy savings.
MHA’s ability to provide safe housing and energy savings was in part possible because of the City of Manhattan stepping up to provide an innovative bond financing support during a crucial phase of window installation. “The collaboration between all the entities involved MHA, City of Manhattan, U.S. Dept of Energy, U.S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development is unique nationally and has proven to be successful locally,” said Aaron Estabrook, MHA Executive Director.
“With many competing priorities this past year, we commend you for maintaining energy efficiency as a priority, sharing data, and making progress towards your goal. In addition to creating cost savings, your actions are helping to address our climate emergency, create clean energy jobs, and promote healthy, safe, and thriving communities. We look forward to working together and profiling your leadership in the years to come,” said Maria T. Vargas. Director Vargas leads the Better Buildings Initiative for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy in Washington D.C.
More information about the Manhattan Housing Authority is available online at https://www.mhaks.com/, on Facebook at /ManhattanHousingAuthority and on Twitter @HousingMHK.