Renovations Underway for All-Electric Residence Hall and Apartment Building

As Columbia looks to electrify its portfolio following its net zero by 2050 commitment and recent Local Laws mandating building energy efficiency, each renovation is an opportunity to incorporate sustainable design and construction principles. Columbia currently has two renovations underway at 611 W. 112th Street and 518 W. 111th Street, which will create an all-electric residence hall and apartment building, respectively, and help pave the way for future electrification projects.

All-Electric Residence Hall at 611 W. 112th Street

A rendering of 611 W. 112th Street, a building in the Morningside Heights Historic District, that has a repaired brick and granite facade and a new accessible ramp leading to the entrance.

The new undergraduate residence hall at 611 West 112th Street will include student rooms, communal spaces, and a dining area, will be thoroughly updated with eco-conscious design principles. 

As part of the renovation, obsolete fossil fuel oil boilers are being replaced with all-electric Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Heat Pumps, which provide customized heating and cooling to individual spaces with opportunity for simultaneous heating and cooling as well as controllability for all space tenants. Additionally, an upgraded building envelope will be bolstered by enhanced insulation and the installation of high-performance, Low-E coated double-pane windows that elevate thermal efficiency while enhancing natural light.

The building features CO2 heat pumps for domestic hot water that are high-efficiency and eco-friendly. A state-of-the-art Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) with Energy Recovery introduces fresh air and reclaims energy from exhaust systems, further emphasizing energy conservation. Energy-efficient lighting systems complement the heating and cooling systems for even more energy savings.

The renovation also includes the implementation of smart building technology to meticulously monitor and optimize energy consumption, promoting a smart, adaptive living space.

Columbia has been awarded the Con Edison Energy Conservation Measures grant for implementing key electrification strategies. 

“We are excited to take advantage of this grant opportunity to positively impact our community and look forward to implementing these critical measures,” said Jim Sugaste, Executive Director for Technical Services and Construction Delivery at Columbia’s Manhattanville Development Group. “These upgrades are about more than just reducing our environmental footprint. They're about creating a greener, more sustainable campus for all of us at Columbia University. By fostering an eco-conscious community, Columbia is setting the stage for a more sustainable future that we can all be a part of.”

The building is anticipated to be substantially complete in November 2024 and will be pursuing LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council.

All Electric Apartment Building at 518 W. 111th Street

A view of 518 W. 111th Street from across the street, a six floor apartment building with a green canopy over the entrance.

Columbia’s renovation of 518 W. 111th Street, an apartment building for graduate students and faculty located in a historic district, will set the sustainability standard for future renovations of its kind. When complete, the building will be fully electric and will no longer use fossil fuels for heating or cooling, among other eco-conscious upgrades.

In addition to electrifying the building, the gut renovation will also include sustainability upgrades like high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and a variable air volume HVAC system to minimize heating and cooling waste. EnergyStar certified appliances and fixtures in the apartments will also contribute to its efficiency. 

These features will qualify the renovation project to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Columbia University committed to net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, and building electrification is a significant strategy for achieving this goal. The University completed electrification studies on multiple campuses last year, informing the strategies to lead its transition away from fossil fuels. Columbia’s Plan 2030 also identifies Responsible Design and Construction as a focus area, a goal of which is to standardize sustainable practices across all new projects and renovations.

The renovation is anticipated to be complete during the first quarter 2025.