EpiCenter, Artists For Humanity

Finance & Cost

Beginning in 2001, AFH raised more than $5 million from individuals, foundations, corporations, and in-kind support.

A $520,000 grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and a $200,000 grant from the utility NSTAR provided major assistance in funding the design, installation, and monitoring of the photovoltaic system. Two local utility incentive programs covered 90% of the incremental costs for the high-efficiency building envelope, equipment, lighting, and controls.

Within a year of occupancy, the EpiCenter had significantly increased program income, with gallery bookings for at least one corporate or non-profit event per week, well exceeding its income projections. It is important to note that gallery rentals provide a captive audience for the young people’s work, which stimulates commissions for other design and fine-art services and thereby leads to corporate subscriber opportunities and more program income. Expanded youth participation will ensure that AFH will have the products and staff to meet the heavier demand for work.

Financing Mechanisms

• Grant: Private (foundation), Public agency

Cost Data

Cost data in U.S. dollars as of date of completion.

• Total project cost (land excluded): $4,300,000

The total energy cost for a base case building in minimal compliance with the ASHRAE 90.1-1999 energy standard would be on the order of $3.00 per square foot, or nearly $68,000 per year. The total estimated energy cost for the EpiCenter is $0.56 per square foot, or $12,732 per year; this represents a cost savings of 82%. The peak demand for the building is also dramatically reduced: demand charges and the need for utility peak power are reduced by 62% in the most extreme conditions. Demand charges of approximately $11.10 per kilowatt over the minimum 10 kilowatts are included in the costs.

The total construction cost for the EpiCenter was $4.3 million, or $183 per square foot. Utility incentives and grants from the Massachusetts Green Buildings Initiative reduced the building cost to a final cost of $168 per square foot. The cost of the photovoltaic (PV) system, at $8.27 per peak watt, is included in that total. With a grant covering 70% of the capital costs of the PV system, AFH should obtain a positive cash flow on this investment within 5 years.

The natural ventilation system cost less than a typical air-conditioning system, so the payback for this feature was immediate.

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Our thanks to the ENERGY STAR program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and to the U.S. Department of Energy, and to BuildingGreen, Inc. for hosting the submission and judging forms.

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