A billion dollar investment bring climate-friendly housing upgrades to low-income renters
Renters in aging affordable housing units are finally seeing a clean energy future as HUD wraps up its $1 billion program to modernize buildings and cut carbon emissions.
Jennifer McDermott reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- HUD’s $1 billion Green and Resilient Retrofit Program has funded upgrades like solar panels, energy-efficient windows and floodproofing for affordable housing across 42 states.
- The improvements aim to cut energy costs, reduce carbon emissions and make buildings safer during extreme weather events, benefiting over 30,000 rental homes.
- Residents, such as seniors in New Orleans and Pittsburgh, highlight how these updates address long-standing maintenance issues and bring a sense of security during natural disasters.
Key quote:
“This program brings HUD’s subsidized units into the 21st century. It helps to make sure that people, because they’re low-income, are not being left behind with the energy improvements that need to happen and are happening across the country.”
— Adrianne Todman, deputy secretary of HUD.
Why this matters:
Affordable housing is essential, but many units are outdated and vulnerable to climate impacts. By lowering utility bills and increasing energy efficiency, these upgrades not only fight climate change but also improve the health and safety of vulnerable residents nationwide.
Read more: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all.
