In Midtown East, a 1960s co-op called 420 Beekman Hill just became one of Manhattan’s early adopters of full electrification for heating and cooling. That means no more gas-powered steam system, just heat pumps. 

This retrofit cost about $3.8 million, but with help from NYC grants (NY State Energy Research and Development Authority, and ConEdison among others), the residents got assistance that eased the financial burden. 

The co-op’s emissions reductions are now ahead of New York City’s goals by decades. What’s impressive is how they did it with minimal disruption: old steam-based systems were swapped out behind the scenes, roof-top heat pumps were installed, all while residents kept heating/cooling throughout. Utility bills, especially in hot months, dropped noticeably. 

The building is becoming a model for others. It shows that even older buildings can make the jump to clean, all-electric systems and reap the benefits.