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A cutting-edge, state-backed project at 345 Hudson Street in NYC is setting a new standard for building decarbonization. This 17-story Art Deco office building is undergoing a major retrofit to replace its fossil-gas boiler with efficient electric heat pumps. These pumps, which serve as both heaters and air conditioners, are part of a system designed to capture and reuse thermal energy, significantly improving energy efficiency. The project, supported by a $5 million grant from NYSERDA and over $30 million in private funding, aims to reduce the building's energy use by 25% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to 2019 levels, with an expected 90% reduction by 2035 as the grid becomes cleaner.

This ambitious retrofit is being phased in as tenant leases expire, minimizing disruption. It includes water-source heat pumps on each floor and three air-source heat pumps on the roof, as well as an energy recovery ventilator to maximize efficiency. Additionally, the building's thermal energy network will be connected to a neighboring building, 555 Greenwich Street, which utilizes a ground-source heat-pump system.

This project is part of the Empire Building Challenge and could serve as a model for other large buildings striving to meet the emissions limits set by NYC’s Local Law 97. By demonstrating how to effectively recycle heat and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, 345 Hudson Street is paving the way for a greener future in urban building management.

Original article posted on June 19, 2024