Mass Deployment of Energy Efficiency Retrofits in Disadvantaged Communities
Mass deployment and rapid delivery of affordable, scalable, integrated ZNE retrofit packages for low income, multifamily buildings
Rocky Mountain Institute
Recipient
Basalt, CO
Recipient Location
$6,149,194
Amount Spent
Completed
Project Status
Project Result
This project was completed in 2024. The goal of REALIZE-CA was to standardize retrofit packages that can be installed relatively quickly with minimal tenant disruption and develop a business model that addresses the barriers to large-scale adoption of energy efficiency retrofits in multifamily housing in disadvantaged communities. REALIZE-CA retrofits are customizable and feature all-electric appliances, high performance roof systems and windows, as well as light envelope upgrades when/where necessary. Throughout the course of the agreement, the project has:
1. Conducted 300,000 square feet of retrofit demonstration projects to better understand the technologies and strategies required for delivering zero carbon aligned retrofits, and, based upon this experience,
2. Conceived of a rapid retrofit program, including retrofit packages, that allow for zero carbon aligned retrofit deployment for multifamily housing.
View Final ReportThe Issue
A series of structural barriers exacerbate the uptake of efficiency improvements in multifamily properties and subsequently diminish the potential for quality of life improvements for many low-income families. The Energy Commission’s 2016, “Low Income Barriers Report” highlights structural barriers. They include low home ownership rates, complex financial arrangements for low-income multifamily housing owners, insufficient access to capital, substantial building stock with high levels of deferred maintenance, and under-served or remote locations of residents. While these structural barriers are persistent, there are additional operational and perceptual barriers identified by affordable housing owners. These include an unclear value proposition, lack of confidence in achieving savings, and project technical complexity even with technical assistance that requires unique building owners and property managers that are not always present or able to tackle more complex projects.
Project Innovation
This project developed and demonstrated standardized energy efficiency retrofit packages, specifically geared towards the low-income multifamily housing market, and that can be scaled to drive down costs. As part of the agreement, the recipient developed a business model for these packages to overcome financing challenges.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
The project efforts achieved a 21% reduction in electricity usage for previously electrified end uses and a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across the portfolio. Beyond energy savings, the project improved indoor air quality and thermal comfort for low-income tenants while increasing building resilience against extreme weather. The standardized retrofit packages were designed to be installed without displacing tenants, mitigating fears of relocation during construction. The project's findings have already influenced state-funded programs and provided a roadmap for future building decarbonization across California. Lastly, REALIZE-CA demonstrated that high-performance retrofits can be delivered using a mix of commercially available and emerging technologies tailored to existing building typologies.
Affordability
This project would give the potential for fixed energy expenditure and allow for potential cost savings as retrofit solutions’ costs continue to come down with scale. Additional benefits include, but are not limited to improved access to energy efficiency retrofits for multifamily properties in DAC's and improved economic security, living conditions, comfort, and health and safety for low-income tenants receiving retrofits.
Economic Development
Increased local job opportunities in DAC's through installation of integrated energy efficiency retrofit packages. Increased adoption of energy efficiency retrofits may lead to local economic development in the construction industry/trades.
Key Project Members
Martha Campbell
Brett Webster
Felix Villanueva
Nick Jiles
Auri Bukauskas
Subrecipients
Regents of the University of California, Davis
Integral Group, Inc.
Association for Energy Affordability
Prospect Silicon Valley
Stone Energy Associates
California Housing Partnership Corporation
David Baker Architects
Madeline Weir
Self Help Enterprises
Match Partners
Association for Energy Affordability
Rocky Mountain Institute
Stone Energy Associates
San Francisco Department of the Environment
Rewiring America
