Providing affordable housing options to low-income residents in high-opportunity areas has always been a priority for Meyer Orbach, chairman of Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions. The recent rehabilitation of the Ocean View Gardens complex in Berkeley, California, is one of the latest projects in this regard.
In total, $53.5 million will be invested to provide the first upgrades in more than 15 years to the apartment complex. All 62 units, as well as the complex as a whole, will receive extensive renovations that go beyond the initial requirements.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades at Ocean View Gardens
Orbach and his team are investing heavily in energy-efficient upgrades throughout the Ocean View Gardens complex, both inside all 62 units and in the common areas of the property.
New Energy Star refrigerators will be installed in each unit, along with new gas ranges, new vinyl window coverings, new toilets, and programmable thermostats. Throughout the property, LED lighting will be installed, as well as a new HVAC system and new water heaters.
Not counting the LED lighting and fixtures, the total investment in these features will amount to more than $794,000. For Orbach Affordable Housing Solutions, it is important to provide energy-efficient, sustainable features for the entire complex.
How Energy-Efficient Features Lower Costs
The direct beneficiaries of these energy-efficient features are the residents of Ocean View Gardens. Every month, residents can lower their utility bills by using these energy-efficient appliances and features.
For instance, the non-profit organization Energy Resources Center states that energy-efficient appliances can reduce monthly utility bills by as much as 30%. Having an energy-efficient refrigerator alone can save a family as much as $300 annually, according to the organization. LED lighting also saves households $225 per year in energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
For low-income households, this is a significant savings. Homeowners often view energy-efficient upgrades such as appliances and lighting as a long-term investment that provides a good return over time.
