A Strategy to Increase Energy Efficiency Investment in Public Housing

Abstract

This document proposes a strategy for Environmental Defense Fund to increase energy efficiency investment in public housing. Improving the energy efficiency of public housing buildings represents a tremendous opportunity to decrease energy consumption nationwide. In 2010, PHA-paid energy expenditures totaled more than $1 billion, a similar magnitude to the $3.6 billion the U.S. Department of Defense spends on energy consumption in its facilities. Reduced energy use results in cost savings for public housing authorities (PHAs) and the federal government, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides utility subsidies to PHAs and oversees their work. Working with HUD, many housing authorities have used energy performance contracts to perform energy efficiency retrofits. These contracts will continue to be an important tool to enable housing authorities to invest in energy efficiency. As a leading environmental nonprofit, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has a significant role to play in helping PHAs across the country to invest in energy efficiency.Some housing authorities have already performed energy efficiency retrofits; many others have not yet become involved in programs to reduce energy use. EDF can work with housing authorities of varying levels of experience to help increase investment in energy efficiency nationwide. If EDF is successful in its strategy, it should expect to see housing authorities of all sizes using locally- or context-appropriate funding models to invest in energy efficiency. Working with public housing authorities, HUD, and partner organizations, EDF has the ability to help decrease our nation’s energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use. These efforts can increase national awareness of the importance of making the country’s affordable housing stock more energy efficient. Implementing the strategy outlined here will help EDF improve the climate, preserve affordable housing for those who need it most, and demonstrate the significance of public housing.