Equitable Decarbonization

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to prevent irreversible damage to ecosystems and mitigate crises for the people and communities most vulnerable. As housing professionals, we have a unique opportunity to combat climate change through decarbonization. By investing in energy efficiency and transitioning to clean energy sources, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint while creating more sustainable and resilient communities.

A total reduction of emissions is a relatively new focus for construction that goes beyond electrification and energy efficiency — and there is no playbook. Leveraging more than 20 years of experience as industry leaders in equitable decarbonization, green building, and climate resilience, Enterprise is leading a collaboration across the climate and affordable housing sectors to create new products and programs that will decarbonize 1.25 million homes by 2030.

1.25 Million

homes decarbonized across the country by 2030

8 Pilot Programs

with actionable decarbonization strategies in progress across the country

Decarbonization must occur in an equitable manner so that communities of color and people with limited incomes do not bear the burden of this transition in higher costs down the line. We are committed to preparing the sector to take advantage of federal dollars available for decarbonization and critical building upgrades, while ensuring electrification does not harm residents and perpetuate racial inequities.

Equitable Decarbonization is just one pillar of our comprehensive response to climate change. Our Building Resilient Futures team is also leading the industry in Green Communities and Climate Risk Reduction.

First-of-its-kind Resource

We partnered with RMI and Housing Partnership Network to create the Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub. This industry-leading resource is designed to support an equitable transition to more efficient, climate-ready multifamily homes.

The Affordable Housing Decarbonization Hub has everything you need all in one place, from a comprehensive knowledge library to real-time updates and even access to decarbonization experts who can answer your specific questions.

Visit the hub to start your decarbonization journey today.

Nationwide Pilot Programs

We are partnering with communities across the country to pilot actionable decarbonization strategies. Learn more about our programs and how to get involved.

DHW Electrification and Energy Justice

With support from Building America and in partnership with Group14 Engineering and Energy Outreach Colorado, we’re developing a replicable approach to electrifying domestic hot water systems in multifamily buildings while improving ventilation systems and safeguarding residents from increased energy costs.

Contact Kiera Quigley to learn more.

Colorado Electrification Hub

We’re supporting the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority in the creation of a Hub that allows the multifamily affordable housing community in Colorado to better engage and succeed with climate responsive construction through access to financial resources, peer learning and technical resources.

Contact Ray Demers to learn more.

Climate Friendly Homes Fund

We’re partnering with an extensive team of affordable housing organizations, led by HCR and coordinated by CPC, to provide grants and loans to small multifamily rental buildings (5-50 units) interested in electrifying their heating and cooling systems in New York.

Contact Jenny Yang to learn more.

Electrifying NY’s Affordable Housing

We are participating in this three-year, $2 million pilot project to develop tools and processes to integrate electrification into 150-200 multifamily buildings that are undertaking the Weatherization Assistance Program in New York.

Contact Jenny Yang to learn more.

Building Decarbonization Ordinance for LA

We are working closely with key city agencies on the development of a building decarbonization ordinance for both new and existing construction that considers the needs of affordable housing owners and residents.

Contact Michael Claproth to learn more.

LA 100 Renewable Energy Study

As a part of the LA 100 Steering Committee, we are providing guidance on equitable decarbonization policies and regulations that prioritize affordable housing and tenants with low-incomes across the city.

Contact Michael Claproth to learn more.

LA Retrofit Accelerator

We are working closely with LA Better Buildings Challenge on this one-stop-shop model pilot, supporting building owners through every step of an energy retrofit.

Contact Michael Claproth to learn more.

Chicago Decarbonization

We’re conducting focus groups and developing tools in partnership with Elevate to accelerate beneficial decarbonization with affordable housing owners in greater Chicago.

Contact Traci Sanders to learn more.

IRA Implementation

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) directs nearly $400 billion in federal funding to lowering the nation’s carbon emissions by the end of this decade.

In addition to helping partners access and implement IRA funds, we are engaging with all levels of government to ensure IRA programs include affordable housing with a focus on equitable fund distribution designed to benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities.

Here is a summary of the programs most relevant to affordable housing professionals, the application processes and timeline for further funding, and program guidance.

Relevant Programs

HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program — GRRP offers grants and direct loans to fund projects in HUD-assisted properties. This program has three cohorts that are currently accepting applications as part of a multi-round rolling application process.
- The Elements Award is designed to provide gap financing to integrate green or resilient elements into existing property renovation plans.
- The Leading Edge Award is designed to support owners in achieving a net-zero energy or net-zero carbon building certification.
- The Comprehensive Award is designed to help initiate major energy efficient and climate resilient retrofits.
DOE’s Home Energy Rebate Programs — Up to $8.8 billion has been authorized for home energy efficiency and electrification and appliance rebates. DOE announced State and tribal allocations for both programs and released guidance to states to develop their plans. Funds are not yet available for consumers, but states are developing their plans for administering funding and providing technical assistance. Contact your state energy office to learn more and weigh in on the quantity and distribution of funds for affordable housing.
EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund — We are supporting industry efforts to ensure that capital from this $27 billion competitive grant program benefits low-income and disadvantaged communities and supports our developer partners. Guiding our efforts are results from a partner survey, which we are in the process of implementing. You can review the EPA’s framework for implementation guidelines and objectives to learn more.

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Featured Program

Accessible, Equitable Decarbonization

Power Forward Communities, the landmark coalition that Enterprise co-leads with some of the country’s most trusted community development, climate, and housing organizations, has been awarded a $2 billion National Clean Investment Fund grant to make America’s homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable.

Learn more about this unprecedented effort to equitably decarbonize potentially millions of homes through programming and financial supports that will ensure no community is left behind in the clean- energy transition.

Be the First to Know

Get updates on our all-new decarbonization hub, hosted by Enterprise in collaboration with the Housing Partnership Network and Rocky Mountain Institute.