How Charney Companies Implemented EV Charging at Union Channel

Charney Companies, a leading real estate development firm in New York City, recognized the growing importance of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in modern residential developments. As part of their commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking amenities, they decided to implement extensive EV charging capabilities at their Union Channel property located at 585 Union St, Brooklyn, NY.

The Union Channel development, situated in the vibrant Gowanus neighborhood, represents a significant investment in Brooklyn’s future. By incorporating EV charging stations into this project, Charney Companies aimed to attract environmentally conscious residents while contributing to New York City’s clean energy goals.

Elevating Sustainability at Union Channel

Charney Companies has long embraced a forward-thinking approach to development. Their newest project, Union Channel, is taking that commitment to the next level by integrating 25 Level 2 EV charging stations. It’s a move that not only supports the city’s clean-energy goals but also sets a new standard for sustainability in modern residential living.

Visionary Climate Leadership

Charney’s drive to lead New York’s energy transition made large-scale EV charging a natural choice for the Union Channel development. By providing easy, on-site charging, they’re making it simpler for residents to go electric. This intent reinforces Charney’s role as a pioneer in urban sustainability.

The decision to implement comprehensive EV infrastructure is part of Charney’s broader strategy to create developments that are both luxurious and environmentally responsible. At Union Channel, residents enjoy innovative sustainability initiatives alongside premium amenities, positioning the property at the forefront of green living in Brooklyn.

The Challenge

Implementing a large-scale EV charging infrastructure at the Union Channel development presented several significant challenges:

1. Scale and Complexity: Installing 25 Level 2 charging stations required extensive electrical infrastructure planning, especially in a new development where multiple systems needed to be coordinated.

2. Cost Management: The initial investment for such a comprehensive EV charging network represented a substantial financial commitment, potentially impacting the project’s overall budget.

3. Technical Integration: Ensuring that the charging stations would integrate seamlessly with the building’s electrical systems while maintaining sufficient capacity for all residents.

4. Future-Proofing: Designing an EV charging solution that would not only meet current demands but also accommodate growing adoption of electric vehicles in the coming years.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating New York City’s building codes and electrical regulations, which include specific requirements for EV charging installations in new developments.

Facing these challenges, Charney Companies sought a partner with proven expertise in large-scale EV charging implementations. They turned to Source Forward and DVM Industries to develop and execute a comprehensive solution.

The Solution

Our team at Source Forward worked closely with Charney Companies to develop a tailored approach that would address all aspects of the EV charging implementation at Union Channel. The solution encompassed several key components:

1. Comprehensive Project Management

We provided end-to-end project management for the EV charging installation, allowing Charney Companies to focus on other aspects of their development project:

• Site Assessment and Design: Our team conducted a thorough evaluation of the Union Channel property to determine optimal placement for the charging stations, considering factors such as accessibility, electrical infrastructure requirements, and user convenience.

• Electrical Infrastructure Planning: We designed a robust electrical system to support the 25 Level 2 charging stations, ensuring sufficient capacity and load management capabilities to prevent circuit overloads.

• Vendor Selection and Equipment Procurement: After evaluating multiple charging station manufacturers, we selected equipment that offered the best combination of reliability, user experience, and value.

2. Smart EV Charging Strategy

A key component of our approach was developing a strategy that maximized both practical functionality and regulatory alignment:

• Site Optimization: Each charging station was strategically placed throughout the property to maximize accessibility and power availability, ensuring convenient access for all residents.

• Regulatory Alignment: Our team handled all necessary permit applications with the NYC Department of Buildings and other relevant authorities, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and clean-energy mandates such as Local Law 55.

• User-Centric Design: The charging infrastructure was designed with residents in mind, allowing for quick, convenient charging – an increasingly in-demand amenity for modern urban dwellers.

3. Incentive Program Navigation

Our expertise in available incentive programs played a crucial role in offsetting the costs of the EV charging implementation:

• Program Identification: We conducted a comprehensive review of all available incentive programs for EV charging infrastructure in New York, identifying those for which the Union Channel project qualified.

• Application Preparation: Our team prepared and submitted detailed applications for all relevant incentive programs, ensuring compliance with specific requirements and documentation needs.

• Total Savings Secured: Through our efforts, Charney Companies received $318,500 in incentives, effectively covering the entire cost of the EV charging installation.

4. Implementation and Quality Control

The physical installation of the charging infrastructure was executed with precision and attention to detail:

• Phased Installation: The charging stations were installed in a carefully planned sequence to minimize disruption to other construction activities at Union Channel.

• Quality Assurance: Each charging station underwent rigorous testing to ensure proper functionality before being certified for use.

• Documentation and Training: We provided comprehensive documentation of the installation and conducted training sessions for building management staff.

5. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

To ensure long-term success of the EV charging network, we established a support and maintenance plan:

• Preventative Maintenance Schedule: Regular inspections and maintenance protocols were established to keep all charging stations in optimal working condition.

• 24/7 Technical Support: A dedicated support line was set up to address any issues that might arise with the charging stations.

• Usage Monitoring and Reporting: We implemented a system to track charging station usage, providing valuable data to Charney Companies about utilization patterns.

The Result

The collaboration between Charney Companies and Source Forward yielded impressive results:

• Future-Ready Infrastructure: 25 Level 2 Charging Stations successfully installed throughout the Union Channel property, not just meeting current EV demands but setting the stage for continued growth.

• Cost-Neutral Implementation: The entire $318,500 cost of the project was offset by incentives secured through our expertise in navigating available programs, resulting in no out-of-pocket expenses for Charney Companies.

• Enhanced Property Value and Marketability: The extensive EV charging infrastructure has become a significant selling point for the Union Channel development. EV drivers prefer properties with reliable charging, adding a key selling point for potential residents.

• Sustainability Leadership: The project has positioned Charney Companies as a leader in sustainable development in Brooklyn, elevating their standing in the residential living market and aligning with New York City’s climate goals.

• Resident Satisfaction: By providing convenient on-site charging, Charney Companies has enhanced the living experience for environmentally conscious residents, contributing to overall tenant satisfaction.

The Union Channel project demonstrates how forward-thinking real estate developers can incorporate sustainable technologies into their properties while managing costs effectively through available incentive programs.

Next Steps for Charney Companies

Building on the success of the EV charging implementation at Union Channel, Charney Companies is exploring additional sustainability initiatives across their portfolio:

• Expanding EV Infrastructure: Plans are being developed to implement similar EV charging solutions at other Charney properties throughout New York City.

• Additional Green Technologies: The company is investigating other sustainable technologies, including solar power integration and energy-efficient building systems.

• Community Engagement: Charney Companies is developing programs to educate residents about the benefits of electric vehicles and other sustainable lifestyle choices.

Conclusion

The partnership between Charney Companies and Source Forward demonstrates the value of expert guidance when implementing advanced EV charging infrastructure. By leveraging our experience in project management, regulatory compliance, and incentive program navigation, Charney Companies was able to provide a significant amenity to their residents while effectively managing project costs.

As electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, forward-thinking real estate developers like Charney Companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of sustainable urban development. The Union Channel project serves as an excellent example of how EV charging infrastructure can be successfully integrated into new residential developments, creating value for both property owners and residents.

At Union Channel, residents enjoy luxury amenities and innovative sustainability initiatives all under one roof. This combination of premium living with environmental responsibility represents the future of urban residential development.

If your company is considering implementing EV charging stations or other sustainable technologies in your properties, contact Source Forward today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals while maximizing available incentives.