Supporting Green Initiatives
in Affordable Housing

What could be better for sustainable housing solutions than sustainable building practices?

In conjunction with Rural Development, Inc., HAPHousing now offers technical training in sustainable building practices and grants to nonprofit developers of affordable housing.

Available for homeownership or rental projects in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties, the grants can be used to fund the cost of green building components and renewable energy systems that will offset occupant electric bills. Developers can also use them to pay for:

  • Green building materials
  • Equipment for high-efficiency space and water heating
  • High-performance wall systems
  • Appliances and plumbing fixtures that conserve resources
  • Indoor air quality improvement

The Green Affordable Housing Initiative provides training for:

  • Renewable energy system design,
  • Green building and energy efficient construction techniques

Any nonprofit organization building affordable housing, including community development corporations (CDC’s), housing authorities, and Habitat for Humanity chapters, is eligible to apply for grant funds. To be eligible, a project:

    • Must be in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire County.
    • Must be primarily located in a town or city served by an investor-owned utility company (sites in communities served by municipal utility companies are not eligible).
    • A minimum of 20% of the project’s units must be designated as “low and moderate income housing” serving households with incomes of less than 80% of area median.
    • Affordable units must carry a deed restriction insuring future affordability.
    • Funds are available for homeownership or rental projects.
    • Both new construction and gut rehabilitation projects must be able to reach Energy Star certification.
 
CONTACT Craig Marden, 413-233-1732 or cmarden@haphousing.org for more information.

FOR OTHER INFORMATION ON ENERGY CONSERVATION AND GREEN BUILDING, TRY THESE RESOURCES:

For an energy audit of your home www.masssave.org

For an energy audit of your business, contact your local gas or electric utility company

Commonwealth Solar Program for solar rebates for Massachusetts homeowners and business owners http://masstech.org/SOLAR/ 
www.pvsustain.com Pioneer Valley Sustainability Network
www.gcc.mass.edu/spc/   Greenfield Community College Sustainable Practices in Construction Program
www.pvasthmacoalition.org Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition
www.nesea.org Northeast Sustainable Energy Association
www.cetonline.org Center for Ecological Technology
www.usgbc.org United States Green Building Council
www.energystar.gov Energy Star