Decarbonization Through Renovation

HRI’s portfolio includes 113 unique properties, including many smaller, scattered-site buildings built before World War II.  Renovations offer the opportunity to reduce carbon output and reliance on fossil fuels, and to improve indoor air quality for residents of our buildings. As one example, HRI’s 6-unit property at 58 Seventh St in Cambridge underwent complete renovation in 2007, with a focus on energy improvements. The scope of work included solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays, solar domestic hot water heating, and low-emissivity double-paned windows designed to reflect heat. Both the building roof and wall insulation achieve high R-values, which measure the ability to retain heat during cooler seasons and prevent heat gain during warm months.

In 2020, a two-alarm fire caused extensive damage in three homes located at 171-173 Columbia St. HRI quickly rehoused the building’s residents in temporary apartments within our portfolio and set our sights on a transformation of the property. HRI joined Mass Clean Energy Center (CEC)’s Triple Decker Challenge, and worked with Zero Energy Design to plan a renovation that included a deep energy retrofit and conversion to an all-electric building.

All three displaced households have now returned to their fully renovated homes at Columbia Street. One resident, a licensed family childcare provider, can now care for children and babies in a fossil fuel-free environment.