In 2007, Enterprise and our partner GreenHOME launched the D.C. Green Communities Initiative. This initiative provides developers with grants, technical assistance, training and financing to build and rehabilitate homes that are healthier, more energy efficient and better for the environment – without adding infeasible extra costs.

Washington D.C. has become a leader in the expanding green affordable housing movement through the D.C. Green Building Act of 2006, one of the most advanced green building laws in the country. Enterprise and GreenHOME are committed to facilitating the successful implementation of this law through the provision of training for government staff to quickly learn and oversee new standards and practices and by working with elected officials, government agencies and community leaders to shape the political and regulatory terrain.

• Washington, D.C. Green Communities Initiative (PDF, 82K)

D.C. Green Building Act of 2006
Most publicly financed affordable housing developments must meet Enterprise Green Communities Criteria as of October 2008. The law covers both public and private construction, and encompasses a growing collaboration between design and construction professionals, environmental and community advocates, nonprofit organizations, and public and private leaders. Together we are transforming the affordable housing market into an arena where green building practices are standard and every project delivers healthy, high-performing homes for families and individuals.

Accomplishments
In Washington, D.C. alone, Enterprise has:

• Invested more than $15 million in grants, loans and tax-credit equity
• Supported 14 projects comprising 723 affordable green homes in the D.C. metro area.
• In July 2007, Galen Terrace, became the first affordable housing development in the District to meet the Green Communities Criteria making the buildings energy efficient, healthy for residents, and environmentally sustainable. The renovation included low VOC paint, energy star appliances and lighting, efficient heating and cooling systems, new double-paned windows, green label carpeting and rain barrels to collect and reuse rainwater

Key Supporters

The Center for American Progress
Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development
Countrywide Bank
D.C. Department of the Environment
D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development
The Jair Lynch Companies
JBG Companies
Living Cities: The National Community Development Initiative, Inc.
The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
National Center for Healthy Housing
PNC
Robert Stewart Family Foundation
Wachovia Bank

We are actively seeking financial partners to fully implement an ambitious training and technical assistance series. For more information, please contact: