June 25, 2018

Keeping the Bradford Apartments Affordable Through Energy Efficiency

The Bradford Apartments, partially owned by NHT-Enterprise and originally built in 1974, is a 418-unit garden-style apartment community located next to historic Hagerstown, MD. The community is “naturally affordable,” meaning it does not receive any subsidy, and provides much needed homes for families in Hagerstown.

Despite affordable rents, outdated and inefficient building systems have historically caused high energy bills for residents. Cue – an energy efficiency retrofit.

Thanks to a grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's (DHCD) EmPOWER Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability program, and the hard work of the National Housing Trust’s Sustainability Team, the Bradford underwent significant energy efficiency upgrades, including:

  • LED Lighting (common area, exterior, and in unit bulbs)
  • Programmable Thermostats
  • High-Efficiency HVAC
  • EnergyStar Refrigerators
  • Low Flow aerators and shower heads

The retrofit will save the residents of the Bradford a total of $56,000 per year.

The Bradford is conveniently located near shopping, banks and restaurants. Laundry and free storage areas are available in most buildings. Pet areas, play areas, and picnic areas are located throughout the community. Bradford residents also have access to some of the best parks and trails in Maryland. The Bradford’s latest energy efficiency retrofit ensures low energy bills for the residents, helping to maintain the affordability of their home.

You can hear from residents of the Bradford and learn more about the property’s energy efficiency retrofit, at the following video: https://youtu.be/PtI-X3KEExo.

For more information on NHT’s sustainability initiatives, please contact NHT Sustainability Manager Kathleen Berube.

 

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