Potential for Energy Savings in Affordable Multifamily Housing

Utilities, regulators, building owners, and residents are all looking to save energy wherever they can. The challenge is particularly acute for the nearly 10 million people who live in affordable multifamily housing. Nearly half of the most affordable apartments were built more than 50 years ago. Many of these aging units are not energy-efficient, and their energy waste leads to higher bills for residents, less affordable housing, and higher rates for all utility customers.

To help address these challenges, EEFA has released a ground-breaking new study that documents the significant economic and energy savings potential from making multifamily affordable housing more energy-efficient.

”Potential for Energy Savings” identifies the maximum achievable potential savings and benefits that can be captured over the 20-year period from 2015-2034 in the multifamily affordable housing sector.

Based on the data gathered from a sample of states across the country, the report estimates that energy efficiency programs in multifamily affordable housing could cut electricity usage by as much as 32 percent and natural gas by 24 percent. The study includes specific findings for Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

This report, combined with EEFA’s Program Design Guide, can help make it easier for utilities, regulators, building owners and managers to increase the energy efficiency of multifamily affordable housing. Efficiency investments help conserve energy, reduce costs, preserve affordable housing, and improve the health and well-being of residents.