by Brianna Crandall — May 14, 2014—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on May 9 that 27 affordable housing providers and service providers across the nation have committed to installing more than 150 megawatts of on-site renewable energy, more than doubling the amount of renewable energy currently on HUD-assisted multifamily buildings, and leading the way for multifamily buildings across the country.
In response to the President’s call to join him in advancing opportunity for all Americans, partners across the private and public sectors are making commitments to advance solar deployment and energy efficiency, says HUD.
The 27 new renewable energy partnerships will create jobs while cutting carbon pollution; they come in response to the president’s call to action as part of the White House Solar Summit last month, and the Better Buildings Initiative the president launched in 2011. Additionally, executive actions newly announced by President Obama will bolster investment in energy upgrades in homes and federal buildings, strengthen appliance standards and building codes, and build a skilled solar workforce.
Together, the president’s executive actions are expected to account for $2 billion in energy efficiency investments in federal buildings; smarter appliances that will cut carbon pollution by more than 380 million metric tons—equivalent to taking 80 million cars off the road for one year—and will save businesses nearly $26 billion on their energy bills; and training programs at community colleges across the country that will assist 50,000 workers to enter the solar industry by 2020.
“HUD is addressing the issue of climate change by creating opportunities and programs for affordable housing owners to take advantage of renewable energy resources, saving energy and money,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Thanks to the leadership of our multifamily partners and developers, we are on track to meet and surpass President Obama’s challenge to reach 100 megawatts of on-site renewable energy on affordable housing by 2020.”
Across the country, HUD partners, to include affordable housing developers, public housing authorities, financial institutions, and service providers, are choosing to install and use solar energy on affordable and market-rate multifamily properties because it reduces their long-term energy costs, reduces carbon pollution, and creates jobs that are helping boost local economies. A fact sheet from the White House lists all of the partners and their commitments.
