Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency - City and County of Denver’s Post

Did you know that 24 of Oregon's most advanced, energy-efficient homes are in Grand Ronde? But how do we get these benefits to more renters throughout the Northwest? https://lnkd.in/d2_FUp_d #climatecast #climatenews #greenbuildings #netzero #energyefficiency

The apartments have improved ventilation and sealing that helps save energy and money, making the complex a national model for tackling the housing and climate crises. Here's the story: https://ow.ly/ugaB50T2YqA #passivehouse #electrification #NYCaffordablehousing #affordablehousing #energyequity

The recent implementation of restrictions on natural gas use in large buildings signals a significant step towards electrification in Denver, with the potential for similar measures in single-family homes. As advocates for sustainable living, we applaud the city's commitment to reducing emissions and embracing cleaner energy sources. While uncertainties remain about the timeline and scope of future policies, redT Homes is prepared to lead the charge toward Building A Greener Colorado. Our dedication to building LEED Gold-certified homes showcases our commitment to environmentally conscious construction practices, and we stand ready to embrace electrification as a key component of sustainable development in Denver. As discussions evolve and policies take shape, redT Homes remains at the forefront of innovation, driving positive change for our community and the planet. Together, let's build a brighter, more sustainable future for Denver! 🏡💡 #DenverEnergyTransition #redTHomes #SustainableLiving

"Equitable building decarbonization works to resolve mistakes of the past and creates a way to move forward to a livable planet. This presents a much-needed opportunity to create healthy, resilient homes for everyone and begin bridging the racial, housing, wealth, and health disparities gap." Read more: https://lnkd.in/gfZQZd3t We love this recent blog from Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) highlighting the importance of equity-driven approaches to decarbonization. One such approach we're taking is through our partnership in the Climate Friendly Homes Fund (CFHF), a program administered by The Community Preservation Corporation. CFHF provides forgivable loans/grants to replace less efficient systems with all-electric, high-performance heating, cooling, and water heating systems for multifamily properties in low-to-moderate income communities, NYSERDA-identified disadvantaged communities, and buildings serving LMI tenants under a housing agency regulatory agreement, making electrification more accessible to building owners in underserved markets. With the mission of maximizing impact, IPC was brought on as a Lending Partner to support the vision of reducing GHG emissions and creating healthier communities by identifying, screening, and collaborating on building retrofit opportunities across the State of New York. Learn more about the Climate Friendly Homes Fund here: https://lnkd.in/euxXcesj #InclusiveProsperityCapital #multifamily #decarbonization #affordablehousing #electrification

New York State is at the forefront of two of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change and the affordable housing crisis. As global leaders gather for New York Climate Week, it's a critical moment to reflect on how these two issues are intertwined and showcase the progress being made in developing sustainable affordable housing. Both the preservation of existing units and the construction of new, eco-friendly buildings are key components in addressing this dual challenge. New York is making significant strides with policies aimed at growing the built environment to meet the increasing demand for affordable housing, while simultaneously pursuing ambitious decarbonization goals. The state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) mandates that 70% of New York’s electricity must come from renewable sources by 2030, and Local Law 97 in New York City imposes strict caps on greenhouse gas emissions for buildings, which account for over 70% of the city's emissions. These initiatives set the stage for transformative change, but reaching these goals will require the full cooperation of industries like housing. The housing crisis is severe, with nearly 40% of New York households rent-burdened, placing the state among the highest in housing cost burdens. Simultaneously, climate-related disasters like heatwaves, floods, and blizzards are hitting vulnerable communities hard. The New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) is advancing sustainable housing practices. Their research with the Citizens Housing and Planning Council shows rooftop solar generation could increase by 290% through expanded solar panels. NYSAFAH has also advocated for zoning changes that support exterior insulating panels and more efficient HVAC systems, like heat pumps, to reduce energy waste. Challenges persist, as many affordable housing developments are in low-lying, vulnerable areas prone to sea-level rise and storm surges. Prioritizing resilient building practices is essential to protect these communities from future climate risks. Transitioning from oil-based systems to all-electric models is another obstacle, but New York is making progress through incentives and government support for electrification, driving a sustainable future. New York's affordable housing sector is proving that sustainability is achievable. By continuing to innovate and collaborate, we can create high-quality, resilient homes while addressing climate change. #AffordableHousingCrisis #SustainabilityInHousing #ClimateAction #Decarbonization #RenewableEnergy #GreenBuilding #ResilientCommunities #ClimateWeekNYC #NYHousingCrisis #SolarEnergy #Electrification #GreenAffordableHousing #NYPolicy #NYSAFAH #LocalLaw97 #CityOfYes #RenewableFuture

It’s very exciting to see Massachusetts investing in #affordablehousing decarbonization. Affordable housing is a sector where building decarbonization is both difficult and extremely high impact – emissions reductions make a major difference in tenant health and quality of life. The need for programs like this will only increase as more cities enact building emissions regulations like #BERDO in Boston and #LocalLaw97 in New York. These investments not only help cities meet their climate goals, but also improve air quality and comfort in low- and moderate-income communities. https://lnkd.in/eGXejp3m

Happy Earth Day! Habitat for Humanity in Minnesota is working hard to advance a more sustainable future through our housing initiatives. One big way we're doing this is through our solar program. We will be installing solar panels on roofs and starting community solar projects. This helps use fewer fossil fuels and reduces pollution. Another important thing we're doing is using air-source heat pumps in our homes. These systems use the air around them to heat or cool the house, which saves a lot of energy. We're also making sure our homes are super energy efficient. We use special insulation and energy-saving appliances to help families save money on energy bills. By doing all of this, we're not just providing homes, but we're also taking care of the environment for the future. This Earth Day, we're committed to building homes that are good for families and good for the planet. Want to learn more about why Habitat builds above code and the innovative building methods being used in Minnesota? Check out our blog post on Code+ building: https://bit.ly/3YPRTJA

How will building performance standards in U.S. cities affect affordable housing? It could push some property owners to raise rents if they don’t get more financial and technical assistance. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a recent report that says affordable housing owners need more financial and technical assistance than they’re currently getting to comply with building performance standards like those in Denver and #boston. ACEEE’s report also revealed that a surprising number of affordable housing owners in #denver weren’t even aware of their city’s building performance standard policies. Read more from ACEEE’s report at the link below. #affordablehousing #climateaction #buildingperformance #decarbonization #commercialproperty #commercialrealestate https://lnkd.in/eX65XzHx

Building Green: Build More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice The U.S. is grappling with a housing crisis, climate change, and a legacy of racism and segregation. But we can address these problems all at once by centering community. https://lnkd.in/dgs-bhW7

The pursuit of climate justice requires us to approach urban cooling in new ways. In the Groundwork Network, we approach climate issues with equity front and center, developing a people-centered strategy that prioritizes the perspectives and voices of those in the community. Historic discriminatory housing policies have shaped how some communities experience weather-related disasters. Areas without the proper infrastructure, primarily low-income and communities of color, will be unable to withstand and recover from heat-related impacts like illnesses and high electric bills. ⁠ ✴ So, what can we do about it? Through the Climate Safe Neighborhoods partnership - a cross-network collaborative effort advancing climate resilience through community-led organizing– we're discovering what works best to protect our communities from extreme heat. ⁠ With three practices that center equity, anyone can address climate injustices and take local action! Read more about our most successful climate action efforts and how you can get started here: https://lnkd.in/ddx9RKh9 #ExtremeHeat #Equity #ClimateSafeNeighborhoods