Our Energizing New Initiative

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3 min read

Since joining National Housing & Rehabilitation Association in 2004, sustainability in affordable housing has been my pet issue – a theme I’ve tried to raise in every conversation and initiative. I believe “green” development is the right thing to do: good for our residents, the environment, and the bottom line.

In the affordable housing community, there is no shortage of LEED APs (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), and industry dialogue on sustainable development is robust. But I’ve observed that many developers fail to incorporate the latest “green” standards in building or rehabilitating affordable rental housing. Many have been burned by past experiences or don’t know where to start. And the green community often hasn’t effectively communicated energy efficiency benefits and strategies to key decision makers at affordable housing companies. The result is a significant knowledge gap at many companies and an affordable housing portfolio that is less energy efficient than possible.

Always the optimist, I believe there is opportunity for our members wherever there are asymmetric markets and incomplete information. This is the why NH&RA has launched a major new educational initiative, the Preservation Through Energy Efficiency Project.

This initiative, supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, will inform key decisions makers at targeted affordable housing companies about specific immediate steps their firms can take to cost effectively reduce the use of energy, water, and other utilities at their properties to increase cash flow, decrease operating expenses, and boost property values.

The core of our efforts will be a series of one-day regional educational forums (at least five) that outline actionable strategies for affordable multifamily owners, developers, and property managers, emphasizing low-cost, high-impact tools and methods. The forums will provide information on retrofit models that can be implemented alone or in conjunction with the recapitalization of a property; highlight replicable case studies; identify available funding sources; and connect owners to firms that install energy efficiency measures.

The forums will be supplemented by additional content and technical assistance through an online knowledge exchange, which will host and index supplemental resources, case studies, best practices, articles, and program information.

As we develop our curriculum, we want to hear from you. Where have you had your greatest successes? When have you been “burned” by “green” technology? If you haven’t made investments in sustainability, why not? In addition, what educational and financial resources in this area do you currently use? And do you have clients or partners that would benefit from this resource or be a good faculty member, sponsor, or partner? Contact me with your comments or questions, at 202-939-1753 or [email protected].

As I said earlier, sustainability in affordable housing is my pet issue. I invite you to make it your pet issue, too, and participate in our new initiative.

Thom Amdur is Associate Publisher of Tax Credit Advisor and Executive Director of National Housing & Rehabilitation Association