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May 2004
Principal developers of the plan to develop Hunters Point Shipyard in San Francisco are, from the left: Ed Smeloff (Assistant General Manager, Power Policy and Planning, SFPUC); Fred Schwartz (Manager, Renewables and Advanced Generation); Larry Florin (VP Development and Operations, Lennar Communities); and Jesse Blout (Director, San Francisco Mayor's Office of Economic Development); Mike Hodgson, President, ConSol (BIRA Lead). (Credit: Building Industry Research Alliance (BIRA))
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Hunters Point Shipyard is the site of a newly planned multipurpose community. Located on San Francisco Bay southeast of downtown, the 500-acre development will include home and commercial construction that feature energy efficiency and solar energy technologies. Construction will begin in Spring 2005.
The Hunters Point Redevelopment Team (HPRT), drew up an agreement that includes performance goals to reduce energy use for the entire project by 40%, and minimize the electricity demand during daylight hours. This will be accomplished by using a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in construction that will include 1,600 homes. HPRT members include representatives of San Francisco's Office of the Mayor, Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), Municipal Utility (SFMuni), and the Department of the Environment and Development Agency. Lennar/BVHP is the primary developer. ConSol, the lead for the Building Industry Research Alliance (BIRA) Building America team provided technical support and recommended the following energy-efficient measures. Their calculations were based on the 2001 California Energy Efficiency Standards and Building America benchmark assumptions.
- Attic insulation (R-30) and radiant barriers
- Exterior wall insulation (R-13 and R-4.2 insulated sheathing)
- Floor insulation (over unconditioned space R-19)
- Windows with vinyl frames and low emissivity glazing
- Hydronic space heating (dual purpose water and space heating system)
- Fluorescent lighting throughout
- Gas cooking and clothes drying
- ENERGY STAR® refrigerator and dishwasher
- High-efficiency ceiling fans
- 1.2 kW photovoltaic (PV) systems
According to a report by Building America's BIRA industry team, Community Scale Evaluation Plans, these improvements will result in a 43% reduction in gas usage, 81% reduction in electricity, and the combined energy savings from reduction in energy for heating and cooling is 48%. These energy efficiency measures and solar electric system are expected to minimize the Hunters Point Shipyard development's peak demand for electricity in the summer and winter months and create significant utility savings for homeowners. Figures 1 and 2 below compare the hourly energy consumption of base-case multifamily homes with ENERGY STAR appliances. Figure 2 shows how the 1.2kW PV system improves the energy efficiency of a unit.
The estimated increase in cost per home for energy efficiency measures is $1,600 exclusive of the PV system. The 1.2 kW PV system is estimated to cost $9,770 with a rebate of $4,010, resulting in a net cost of $5,760. These costs can be included in an energy-efficient mortgage program such as ComfortWise. ComfortWise mortgages, supported by Fannie Mae, factor projected monthly utility savings into the monthly mortgage payment. The builder/developer is expected to participate in ComfortWise or a comparable energy quality assurance and training program.
Having come to an agreement, BIRA/ConSol will support the efforts of Lennar/BVHP and HPRT to make this project as resource efficient as possible. They plan to work with the builders to implement the energy-savings goals, as well as monitor project success through analysis of utility bills, and indoor and outdoor temperatures. They will also review designs to ensure that the buildings perform well above current and soon-to-be revised California building codes.
 Fig. 1. Base Case vs. Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR Appliances. (Credit: Building Industry Research Alliance) |
 Base Case vs. Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR Appliances and 1.2 kW PV System. (Credit: Building Industry Research Alliance) |
SFPUC Assistant General Manager Ed Smeloff noted, "The combination of energy efficiency and solar electric generation on the new homes will mean that the Hunters' Point Shipyard community will be able to produce locally all of the electricity it needs during periods of peak demand for the city's electric system. The redevelopment of the Shipyard can become a model for other new development projects in the Bay Area."
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