News Shared via
Ilene Harnch-Grady,
YWCA Greater Newburyport
YWCA Greater Newburyport will soon be able to flip the switch and turn on 321 solar panels to supply almost 30% of the power needed for its newest affordable housing project YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court.
YWCA worked with Resonant Energy to develop a plan that would maximize the roof of its newest project (48 affordable housing units for seniors) and install the greatest number of panels possible. As a result, the system is designed to produce 181,275 Kilowatts annually.
These panels not only support YWCA’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact but will also help to keep this project affordable well into the future. The project was designed to meet Passive House Institute US Standards (PHIUS) which means that it will use only a minimal amount of energy to heat and cool the building. PHIUS construction has the added benefit of no drafty rooms for seniors! Heating and cooling are achieved through electric heat pumps and not gas or oil. Therefore, solar panels help reduce the overall energy consumption of the building.
MassDEP is proud to invest in the YWCA’s efforts to deliver cleaner, healthier air for the community—while cutting costs at the same time,” said MassDEP Commissioner
Bonnie Heiple. “Congratulations to the entire YWCA Greater Newburyport team for their forward-thinking approach to power these new homes with renewable energy. Together, we are moving toward a more sustainable future.”
Panels were funded through a combination of grants. The total project cost was $505,768; The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust generously provided the original funding of $225,000 which was matched, with funds from the MassDEP’s Clean Energy Results Program in the amount of $200,000. The balance was funded through a wide variety of funding sources
Affordable housing supports the YWCA’s Mission to Eliminate Racism, Empower Women and Promote Peace, Justice, Freedom, and Dignity for all. According to Kate Slater Ph.D., YWCA’s Executive Director, “Without a safe, decent, affordable place to live, it is almost impossible to become empowered. YWCA has been providing affordable housing since 1885. However, with the growing climate crisis, YWCA has made a commitment to developing affordable housing that minimizes its impact on the environment. YWCA developed a “net zero” property in 2022 and with the passive house design and solar panels hopes to continue to minimize its environmental impact.”
To obtain an application or to learn more about our affordable housing, please see our website www.ywcanewburyport.org. ♦
