LeFrak City is Committed to Energy Efficiency! Since 2010, LeFrak City Maintenance Services has been pursuing significant efforts to increase LeFrak City’s energy efficiency. From solar power, green roofs, water retention, LED lighting, and smart lighting controls, LeFrak City is becoming a true 21st century high-tech city of the future. Did you know that LeFrak City houses the largest residential highrise solar power plant in not only New York City but in all of New York State? Rooftop solar at every one of the twenty residential buildings generates enough power to offset gridsupplied power for common area lighting, elevators and pumps. To put it into perspective, the system generates enough power to supply over 150 individual homes when the sun is shining. Solar power not only generates power that is free of greenhouse gas emissions, it also reduces power grid “congestion,” which occurs during high usage times such as in the summer, helping to prevent blackouts or other power problems during those times. Increasingly, solar power makes up a larger and larger proportion of total power consumed at LeFrak City because LeFrak City is using significantly less traditional power for lighting. LED lighting uses less than half the amount of power than conventional lighting sources and emits a brighter, cleaner light. All lighting in LeFrak City common areas and outdoor areas, including parking garages, has been converted to ultra-efficient LED lighting. LED lighting often goes unnoticed because it produces light that is indistinguishable or superior to conventional fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs. Technological advances in lighting are ongoing and are accelerating. In addition, as LeFrak City undergoes a significant transformation in outdoor and lobby areas, upgrading the infrastructure and modernizing recreational and amenity spaces, major improvements to storm water control are also taking shape, large underground storage areas are being placed beneath the surface of new playing fields and amenity spaces in order to catch any runoff. Additionally, garage roofs and other areas are receiving vegetated green roofs. Planted in shallow containers that contain special engineered fabrics, the vegetation absorbs rainwater and stores it until it evaporates. As we look to the future, LeFrak City is embarking on more new energy conservation initiatives. Efficient boiler systems, upgrades to apartment heating elements, and new alternative energy systems are all being 14 APRIL, 2017 | WWW.QNS.COM | LEFRAK CITY COURIER considered. These include “cogeneration,” which is a system of natural gas-fired engines that produce both power and heat to provide hot water and further offset common area electric consumption. The area’s natural gas utility is also upgrading the local gas distribution system that will prevent future heating oil usage and emissions during exceptionally cold winter periods. All of these efforts reduce our reliance on external energy, reduce climate change caused by emissions, and increase the resiliency of LeFrak City and the neighborhood to bounce back more quickly after storms. We can only guess how new technology will help us continue to improve LeFrak City. LeFrak City is reducing its environmental footprint project-by-project. Here’s what you can do to help improve your environment: 1. Switch to LED! LED lighting has come down significantly in price over the past five years. Did you know that changing your light bulbs to LED will save you nearly 50% on your electric bill? And when you leave a room, be sure to turn out the light. Light occupancy sensors and smart power strips all help lower your utility bill and reduce the impact to the environment. 2. Report Water Leaks! Do you have a leak in your bathroom sink? Does your toilet continue to run or make noise? Report leaks to your superintendent or porter not only to save water but also to reduce the impact on our region’s beaches, fish, plant life and birds. Don’t forget, if you catch leaks and let us know, you’ll be rewarded with a free, preloaded laundry card. 3. Is your apartment too hot? Don’t open the window to let out the heat, report it to management! This will help the building’s superintendent better manage the boiler and heating system rather than waste heat. 4. Recycle! Be sure to separate paper from recyclable metal and/or plastic, and pick up trash when you see it. 5. Curb your dog! Remember, all of that waste makes its way into our sewers when it rains. Help protect our bodies of water and beaches. Do your part to keep LeFrak City efficient and clean. Every bit helps!
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