EN-POWER GROUP was featured in Habitat Magazine for its role in helping Caton Tower Co-op, a residential building in Brooklyn’s Kensington neighborhood, reduce carbon emissions while improving energy resilience through a combined heat and power (CHP) system.

Context: Addressing High Energy Costs and Emissions

Caton Tower’s board was facing growing concerns over an aging and inefficient building power plant. Oil-based systems had become increasingly expensive and unsustainable, accounting for nearly one-third of the building’s operating budget.

As the board explored options to modernize its infrastructure, the need to reduce both operating costs and carbon emissions became a central driver in evaluating long-term solutions.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Role

Amalia Cuadra, PE, Director of Engineering at EN-POWER GROUP, oversaw the project and guided the board through a phased approach to system replacement and optimization.

Initial upgrades included replacing outdated boilers and chillers with more efficient gas-fired units, immediately cutting fuel costs in half and significantly improving system performance. From there, EN-POWER GROUP helped the board identify cogeneration, also known as combined heat and power, as a viable next step.

Cuadra evaluated building size, space constraints, and system logistics to determine feasibility, noting that CHP systems are most effective in buildings with 150 or more units. The project required strategic equipment placement and modifications to integrate the turbine and heat-venting infrastructure with minimal disruption to residents.

Results: Savings, Resilience, and Long-Term Value

Once installed, the CHP system will simultaneously generate electricity and capture waste heat to produce domestic hot water for the entire building. The system is expected to save approximately $63,000 annually in combined thermal and electricity costs.

In addition to financial savings, the system will provide emergency backup power, keeping common areas such as hallways and elevators operational during power outages. Installation planning spanned several years, with construction timed to be completed ahead of peak winter conditions.

Why This Matters for Co-op and Condo Boards

This feature illustrates how combined heat and power systems can serve as both a decarbonization strategy and a resilience investment. For buildings facing rising fuel costs, aging infrastructure, and upcoming carbon limits, CHP offers a long-term pathway to reduce emissions, stabilize operating expenses, and maintain critical services during emergencies.

Media Attribution

This project was originally featured in Habitat Magazine on September 11, 2019.
[Read the full article on Habitat Magazine →]

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