Energy Conservation and Housing Rehabilitation under the HOME Program

Copies of Model Programs are available through Community Connections (http://www.comcon.org/).

HUD-1469-CPD, May 1994

Energy conservation and efficiency are crucial components of any affordable housing program.

After rent or mortgage payments, energy bills comprise the highest portion of housing expenses - typically more than one-third of the housing budget for a low-income family.

Lower-income families are particularly vulnerable to high energy costs: units occupied by lower-income families are less likely than average housing to have weatherstripping, insulation, energy-efficient windows or properly maintained heating systems.

By including energy efficiency as a rehabilitation standard, participating jurisdictions can help their most vulnerable households to reduce living expenses while simultaneously extending the life of local housing stock.

Because housing rehabilitation and energy conservation programs are often conducted by different parts of State and local government, pursuing both goals simultaneously requires a high degree of coordination.

This model guide discusses the differences between housing rehabilitation and energy conservation programs, and how the two can be brought together using HOME funds and other resources to provide housing that is both affordable and energy-efficient.

It also provides a general overview of energy-efficiency measures and techniques for participating jurisdictions and nonprofits that do not operate their own conservation or weatherization programs

It then offers specific organizational models for combining housing rehabilitation and energy conservation programs and examines a number of actual joint and individual ventures by State and local governments, public utility companies, and nonprofit providers that offer energy-efficiency and conservation services.