Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $27 Million to Decarbonize Affordable Housing Across Massachusetts

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $27.35 Million Grant Program for Affordable Housing

Brookline — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the first round of grants under its Affordable Housing Deep Energy Retrofit Grant Program, which the administration created earlier this year. A total of $27.35 million will be awarded to seven organizations for affordable housing projects. The grants will be used to fund deep energy retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades, building system electrification, and onsite renewable energy generation in 10 affordable housing developments in communities across Massachusetts. The announcement took place at The Village at Brookline. 

Program Benefits

• Higher performing buildings that offer residents better indoor air quality and comfort
• Lower ongoing energy costs for residents and affordable housing providers
• Opportunity for affordable housing providers to upgrade their housing stock
• Healthier air in the communities where housing is located

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 1: No Poverty
2. Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
3. Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
4. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
5. Goal 13: Climate Action

Statements from Officials

“Every day, I hear from residents who are struggling with the high costs of energy and housing. This grant program will lower monthly energy bills and maintain affordable housing for families across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Electrifying our buildings presents an important opportunity to drive down energy costs for our residents. We will continue to pursue smart, cost-effective strategies that make our state more affordable, while keeping us on the cutting edge of climate innovation.” 

“This initiative exemplifies how we can tackle the dual challenge of preserving affordable housing and reducing emissions,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m excited to see these projects move forward and directly benefit their cities and towns with lower greenhouse gas emissions, local clean energy workforce development, and a commitment from project developers to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” 

“Buildings contribute 35 percent of the state’s emissions. This program demonstrates how we can decarbonize this sector with an equity lens,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These projects will use local workers, bring down costs for renters, and improve air quality. With every investment, we right past wrongs and bring the benefits of the clean energy transition to those who have been denied climate justice.” 

“This program builds on our successful energy efficiency and decarbonization programs to preserve long-term housing affordability and equitably support the electrification of our existing building stock,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “The selected projects will help spur the growth of the deep energy retrofit sector in Massachusetts and provide a model and best practices other developers can use for their own decarbonization projects.” 

“Energy efficiency upgrades are a win-win: lower costs & lower emissions,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. 

Grant Awardees

• Preservation of Affordable Housing will receive $5,080,000 for its Fairweather Salem project in Salem. The project will use prefabricated insulated panel facade over existing exterior walls to improve efficiency for 127 affordable housing units. The project is planning for Passive House certification.

• Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation will receive $800,000 for its Hano Homes project in Allston and $950,000 for its Carol Avenue Apartments project in Brighton. The Hano Homes project goal is a fully decarbonized building through envelope improvement with embodied carbon storage, full systems electrification, and solar PV for 15 affordable and 5 market rate units. The Carol Avenue Apartments project is the rehab of a historic building with 29 affordable and 4 market rate units through a deep energy retrofit with insulation upgrades and heat pumps are expected to achieve a 55% reduction in site energy use.

• Beacon Communities Development LLC will receive $3,000,000 for its Treehouse project in Easthampton. This project is a deep energy retrofit with heating and hot water fully electrified, solar PV and new exterior insulation, air sealing, and triple-pane windows for 55 affordable units and 5 market rate units. This innovative community offers apartments for persons 55 years or older and families who are caring for children from the foster care system.

• The Community Builders will receive $960,000 for its Plumley Village project in Worcester and $1,560,000 for its Former Wilson Department Store project in Greenfield. The Plumley Village project will include full electrification of heating, hot water, and cooking for 24 affordable units being rehabbed in a larger building. The project aims for a 30% reduction in energy consumption and Passive House certification. The former Wilson Department Store project is an adaptive reuse of a historic building that includes interior insulation and air infiltration improvements for 39 affordable units including 11 affordable for under 30% AMI. The project goal is passive house certification and an energy cost reduction of 60-70%.

• Valley Community Development Corporation will receive $2,080,000 for its Prospect Place project in Northampton. This is an adaptive reuse of a former nursing home. The project will include the installation of a ground source heat pump system and planned installation of a 300 KW solar system for 60 affordable units.

• Winn Development will receive $5,

  SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action

  2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
  • SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
  • SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

  3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Energy efficiency improvements in buildings
  • Reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Increased use of renewable energy sources
  • Improvement in indoor air quality and comfort for residents
  • Reduction in energy costs for residents and housing providers

  Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  SDGs	Targets	Indicators
  SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy	SDG 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency	– Energy efficiency improvements in buildings – Reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions – Increased use of renewable energy sources
  SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums	– Improvement in indoor air quality and comfort for residents – Reduction in energy costs for residents and housing providers
  SDG 13: Climate Action	SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning	– Reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions – Increased use of renewable energy sources

  Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

  Source: mass.gov

   

  

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