NYSERDA and HCR co-developed and launched a pilot called the Clean Energy Initiative ("CEI") program, which integrates technical assistance and clean energy funding through NYSERDA's support into HCR’s affordable housing finance application process. This panel will cover the collaboration, program design, opportunity for scaling, and lessons learned to date, as well as highlighting a project currently participating in the CEI program.

To comply with NYC Local Law 97, buildings will need guidance on how to implement capital measures that effectively reduce carbon emissions. However, even detailed energy studies can have unrealistic recommendations if engineering design considerations are neglected. Meanwhile, design engineers tend to focus more on system sufficiency instead of efficiency. Practitioners are tasked with narrowing this knowledge gap and identifying crucial details that could make or break a building’s ability to implement recommendations.

The session will describe the Empire Building Challenge (EBC) process and Resource Efficient Electrification, expanding on the recent BuildingEnergy Magazine article on the same topic. We will update our learnings based on the work conducted by Cohort 1 of the Empire Building Challenge, and we'll be able to announce Cohort 2, as well as examining the work conducted with that group of real estate owners and MEP engineers. We're excited to continue updating the NESEA community on these efforts.

As we consider how to decarbonize affordable multifamily housing communities, it is imperative to establish market-based momentum that does not solely rely on regulations and subsidy programs that may change year to year. Panelists will discuss the financing tools available to support a market in which decarbonization is business as usual. They will also showcase a set of financing solutions, as well as culture shifts, enabling them to invest in climate solutions for disadvantaged communities.