How BGCB is Managing Rising Costs and Investing in Facilities

“The cost of gas, electricity, and water has gone up substantially over the past couple of years, and we are investing heavily in becoming a more energy efficient organization.”

—Al Zarthar, Director of Facilities, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) is known for its innovative and educational programs, talented staff, and wide ranging impact across communities and generations. The common denominator for all of these characteristics is the safe and thoughtfully-designed facilities in which all this extraordinary work takes place.

“Each of BGCB’s Clubs requires a tremendous level of ongoing maintenance and upkeep in order to provide members with the fun, exciting, and most importantly, safe Club experience we’ve provided for the past 130 years,” explains Al Zarthar, BGCB’s Director of Facilities. “Then, you factor in how the cost of gas, electricity, and water has gone up substantially over the past couple of years, and all of a sudden, the cost of simply keeping our lights on and our doors open starts adding up quickly. We are investing heavily in becoming a more energy efficient organization to position ourselves for success as an organization well into the future.”

Just how much of an investment? This fiscal year alone, BGCB will be investing a grand total of $1.3 million in facilities projects alone.

We’ve summarized the facilities maintenance projects that will be taking place this year by Club:

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Gerald and Darlene Jordan Club

Projects taking place over this year:

Replacing eight rooftop units to improve energy efficiency in heating and air conditioning systems
Replacing all member computers and staffing computers
Updating the cameras
Updating burglar alarm panel and fire alarm panels

Edgerley Family South Boston Club

Projects taking place over this year:

Repointing the Club’s pool – Replacing all grout and tile and re-piping
Replacing fences in front and rear of the building
Replacing the compressor in the a/c unit
Re-sanding the gym floor
Updating security cameras
Updating burglar alarm panel and fire alarm panels
Replacing all member computers and staffing computers
Replacing sprinkler heads in the basements of the pools

Charlestown Club

Projects taking place over this year:

Replacing three rooftop units to improve energy efficiency in heating and air conditioning
Re-painting the Teen Center interior
Repointing the entire exterior of the Ansin Youth Center
Updating security cameras
Updating burglar alarm panel and fire alarm panels
Replacing all member computers and staffing computers