Going Green with Cogeneration

University Square Plaza in Philadelphia is powered by a cogeneration (combined heat and power, CHP) plant. The 442-unit high-rise project's new cogeneration plant is the result of a public-private partnership and was funded by a $1 million competitive, matching grant from Pennsylvania's Green Energy Works! program. The combined heat and power system will provide electricity, hot water and heat efficiently. It is the first CHP grant initiative in the state to be completed under the program.

CHP technology simultaneously produces useable heat and electricity from one fuel source; in this case, natural gas. By using CHP technology, Apartments Investment and Management Company (AIMCO) is increasing the building's system efficiencies and reducing its carbon footprint by 2,500 tons. The system is 85% electrical and thermal efficient--a 52% efficiency rate increase over traditional power stations.

HUD is delighted that AIMCO has taken the lead in our area to install this innovative technology in University Square Plaza--a project with a long history of providing quality affordable housing to the elderly residents of Philadelphia since 1978.