April 12, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced Atlanta Housing as a recipient of the Best of the Betters: 2023 Better Practice Winner for its Energy Efficiency Rent Boost (EERB) program at the Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit in Washington, DC.
The EERB program and access to other incentive programs enable property owners to take advantage of special discounts, rebates, capital, and increased rental income when they make energy improvements to their properties. With expensive utility costs being one of the main reasons for tenant turnover, these incentives empower property owners to retain more tenants, increase revenues and save money, while reducing energy costs for tenants and keeping pace with climate-focused advancements, a win-win.
AH’s HCVP Landlord Services team, with insights from Southface, launched the Energy Efficiency Rent Boost (EERB) program, awarding more than 324 units with the rent boost in the program’s first 10 months. This translates into 324 families with lower utility bills and more stable and healthier housing options. AH partners with Lowe’s and the Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF) to secure discounts and low-cost capital to encourage landlords to implement these efficiency upgrades.
“Development in the future has to be [greener] – it hedges against inflation, expands job growth and training opportunities for our residents, and reduces the need for expensive retrofits sure to come in the future,” stated Paul Vranicar, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Policy, and Regulatory Affairs.
A task force comprised of staff from 11 AH departments continues to implement innovative sustainability measures to better serve our communities, our agency, and the environment with three main goals:
- Help Atlanta’s lowest income residents lower housing and utilities costs, adapt to new climate realities;
- Encourage energy efficient and resilient housing, reward green infrastructure and development
- Expand opportunities for all in the green economy.
The strategies implemented over the past two years will continue to help lower resident utility bills, build more green housing, and lower AH’s operating expenses.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the AH Sustainability team. For more information on EERB and eligibility criteria, visit HERE. Visit HERE for more info on the 2023 Better Buildings, Better Plants Summit and this year’s winners.