New image and lower energy bills in Manchester (USA) inner-city neighbourhood.

The Manchester Project involved the energy efficient rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing housing units plus the construction on vacant lots of new dwellings incorporating energy conservation measures. This project, in the Manchester neighbourhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began inthe late 19 70s and was completed in 1983. Energy use and air quality monitoring were carried out for one year after the completion of the project. It was found that in comparison to detached single-family houses using standard construction, energy savings of 75 to 80% were being realized. Monitoring of air quality showed that in most apartments the indoor air quality was better than standards. This project has set a standard of construction for energy savings in Pittsburgh which people recognize and have used in part in various, subsequent construction projects; however, the project has not been replicated at the same level. A major lesson learned is that a project of this nature requires cooperation at all levels of government.