Columbia University Electrical Conversion

Electrical conversion of this 9 story 80 unit residential building for Columbia University included 24 new 1-1/2″ risers, new electrical service room, New Con Ed service feeders, new corridor ceilings and finishes, new load centers in apartments, new electric stoves and removals of existing natural gas piping and equipment.

Greenbuild is a preferred vendor for Columbia University, and was awarded the contract to upgrade the first building there under a new environmental initiative to convert from natural gas to electric for all kitchens and heating. The work Greenbuild has now completed will stand as a model for the upgrade/conversions done for the rest of the planned buildings.

A Major Challenge

This project began just as the COVID pandemic hit NYC and the country in early 2020.

Greenbuild’s strategic scheduling and communication abilities made it possible to coordinate between the university, teams of crew and vendors, and also with 80 separate and fully occupied apartments throughout the building. Greenbuild moved forward successfully, taking the many extra safety precautions required including proper distancing of workers, residents, and staff at all times.

Emergency work permits were procured due to the lockdowns. Greenbuild leveraged broad relationships with suppliers, overcoming widespread construction material shortages for items such as electrical control panels, breakers, and conduits — not to mention sourcing 80 new electric stoves.

Despite many extreme challenges, Greenbuild completed the project on time, and on budget.