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Consultants outline phased Passive House–informed study for Village Hall energy upgrade

Village Board of Rhinebeck · December 13, 2025

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Summary

Consultants from Tatum Engineering and c+g a presented an EECBG-funded energy study recommending a phased approach: near-term heat-pump replacements, ventilation and controls (phase 1) and deeper envelope work (phase 2), with a final costed report due by year-end.

Tatum Engineering and c+g a presented a multi-phase energy study for the Village Hall undertaken under an EECBG grant administered by NYSERDA. Crystal Eng (c+g a) and a Bennett from Tatum described an approach that balances immediate high-priority mechanical upgrades with longer-term building-envelope measures aligned with Passive House principles.

Phase 1 focuses on heat-pump replacements for the existing boiler and hydronic systems, improving ventilation and installing better controls, and replacing domestic hot water systems with hybrid heat-pump/on-demand electric systems. The consultants said these measures aim to reduce fossil-fuel dependence and improve year-round comfort with manageable upfront costs.

Phase 2 would include deeper envelope work: exterior panelized insulation over brick facades, higher-performance windows and doors, increased roof insulation tiers and additional air sealing; lighting upgrades were also included in later-stage packages. Consultants said they are completing energy modeling and cost estimates and will return a final report identifying recommended packages, expected energy savings and payback periods.

Village officials said the study meets grant requirements and that implementation would depend on approved grant funding and subsequent village decisions about capital investments. The consultants noted that electrical-service upgrades to support heat pumps and other measures were being cataloged as part of the costing work.

The board thanked the consultants and indicated they look forward to a written report and recommended packages that balance cost and constructability.