Multifamily housing accounts for 20% of greenhouse gases. That makes taking advantage of unprecedented incentives and funding via the Inflation Reduction Act critical. This blog post previews new tools from Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) and Cadence OneFive to help the affordable housing sector unlock the potential of this landmark investment in affordable housing and energy efficiency.

For low- to moderate-income residents in multifamily housing who do not have access to a roof, do not own their property, or live in shaded areas, community solar creates an opportunity to access renewable energy and lower utility costs. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) presents an extraordinary moment to invigorate this growing area of solar while prioritizing communities with the greatest need. This blog post explores the opportunity presented by community solar and strategies for increasing residents' access to the benefits of solar power.

As the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) rolls out, housing agencies around the country are preparing to deploy additional funds, incentivizing developers to incorporate green designs, and boosting cooperation with state energy offices. This blog post reviews how several state housing agencies are preparing to help the multifamily sector realize the benefits of the IRA.

The White House and Department of Energy (DOE) recently laid the foundation for two monumental home energy upgrade initiatives: the Home Efficiency Rebates program, which offers up to $8,000 to households, and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates program, which provides up to $14,000. These rebate programs — made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act — represent one of the largest-ever federal investments to decarbonize the US building stock and help Americans pay for home efficiency improvements such as better insulation, all-electric heat pumps, and induction stoves.

The IRA presents an immense opportunity, but delivering those resources where they are most needed is no easy task given systemic barriers that often prevent low-income and communities of color from applying for and adopting green energy opportunities. In this blog post, Decarbonization Fellow Kiera Quigley explores why new funds and programs "must center the needs and voices of environmental justice communities, or threaten to leave them behind."