Encouraging Sustainable and Equitable Upgrades to New York City’s Affordable Housing Stock

Abstract

This study offers a qualitative appraisal of the interaction between affordable housing policies and energy efficiency in New York City. We summarize key affordable housing policies and energy efficiency programs at the federal, state and local levels, profile relevant government organizations, and assess the current efficiency potential in New York City's affordable housing stock. We identify confounding informational, financial, and policy barriers that prevent the full realization of this technical potential. These major barriers include: a lack of affordable housing energy performance data, a lack of information about existing funding resources, misalignment between housing subsidies and energy conservation, substantial upfront investment and transaction costs, underfunding of existing efficiency programs, and the tenant-landlord split incentive.

Lastly, we recommend strategies to enhance the energy performance of affordable housing in New York City through policy interventions that benefit both tenants and building owners. This research will be utilized by BetterBuildingsNY to inform their building advocacy efforts.