Through the NYCHA Heating Upgrade Program, our program management team improved residents’ quality of life by accelerating delivery of modernized heating systems.
For thousands of public housing residents across New York City, reliable heat and hot water was a regular challenge. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) trusted AECOM to solve this problem through its first design-build project — enabling the expeditious delivery of modernized heating systems while buildings remained occupied.
This project reflected our collaboration with NYCHA to address heating challenges in public housing while meeting New York City’s Local Law 97 requirements for cutting emissions from major buildings. Because of our close partnership, we improved comfort and reliability for residents while meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets. Beginning in 2019, the program grew from 10 to 41 improvement projects across all five boroughs.
By combining innovative delivery methods, resident-focused solutions and green technologies, we are helping NYCHA deliver dependable heat, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve everyday life across its communities.
Addressing challenges with innovation
Upgrading aging heating systems while meeting Local Law 97 greenhouse gas targets presented complex challenges. Many buildings relied on decades-old infrastructure, and crews frequently uncovered issues such as deteriorated pipes and outdated components that needed repair or replacement. Adding to the challenge, all work had to be completed without interrupting residents’ access to heat and hot water.
Because of the design-build approach, we were able to manage complexity and install advanced low carbon technologies while maintaining an accelerated project delivery schedule. Coordinated, phased construction efforts — which included installing temporary boilers — minimized service disruptions and provided residents with consistent comfort during the upgrades.
This work was driven in part by New York City’s Local Law 97, which aligns with NYCHA’s goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions and set emission standards for large buildings. Meeting these limits required more than basic upgrades and led to a shift toward cleaner heating systems that reduce emissions over time. Electrified heating, geothermal and air-source heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow systems and infrared panels were installed. These solutions improve energy efficiency and system reliability while helping NYCHA meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets — 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050 from a 2005 baseline — in line with New York City’s broader climate goals.
NYCHA’s first foray into design-build
Recognizing that traditional delivery methods would not allow the team to meet the accelerated timeline, NYCHA turned to design-build. This method brings together designers and builders early to effectively make decisions, solve problems and begin construction sooner. Although design-build was first used for other projects across New York City in 2018, this approach was a first for NYCHA.
Our team brought national experience in design-build and confidently guided NYCHA through the process. We worked closely with the agency to shape contracts, align internal processes and establish clear performance expectations, creating a structure that supported constant collaboration. We also embedded these practices into NYCHA’s day-to-day operations, making design-build an easily replicable approach across its capital program.
By implementing design-build in a practical, scalable way, we helped NYCHA deliver improvements more efficiently — accelerating schedules, managing capital costs and extending the impact of each investment.
Dependable systems, lasting impact
For NYCHA residents, these heating upgrades mean more than just warm homes — they provide sustainable, daily reliability in their comfort. By embracing design-build and integrating low-carbon technologies, the agency has created a faster, more effective way to modernize its buildings while supporting citywide climate goals. This program addresses immediate needs and creates a blueprint for future projects that will benefit New Yorkers today and tomorrow.