Renovation Underway on Columbia's First All-Electric Undergraduate Residence Hall

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. 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 by the end of 2024.  

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 will be pursuing LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council.