Climate Ready Housing

Program Overview

Funds from the Commonwealth's Economic Development Bond Bill have been earmarked for sustainable and climate resilient affordable housing. Each year represents a $1.6 million investment that will be leveraged competitively to support 2-3 highly rated projects that represent achievable and replicable approaches to very low carbon emissions focused on existing building renovations as outlined below. MassHousing and Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) will administer the program on behalf of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). MassHousing and MHP have engaged with LISC to further assist with program administration.

Areas of Focus for 2023

Deep Energy Retrofit (DER)

This approach assumes a comprehensive scope of work that includes extensive improvements to the building envelope that significantly reduce heating energy load (by at least 50%) and carbon emissions. The building envelope work is leveraged to allow for cost-effective electrification of the building’s HVAC system. Improvements in ventilation to achieve appropriate indoor air quality are required.

Zero Carbon Emissions Over Time (ZOT)

This approach assumes a less significant intervention in the upcoming rehabilitation project than is represented in the DER approach outlined above but reflects thoughtful planning on the part of the project team to capture the pending rehabilitation project as an important piece of a long-term plan to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The DER design solution or the ZOT implementation plan must include the following:

• Substantial envelope improvements to minimize heating and cooling demands;
• Heat pump-based technology for space heating and cooling;
• Energy or heat recovery ventilation technology;
• Plan for electrification of domestic hot water systems (strongly encouraged);
• Plan for electrification of cooking appliances;
• Maximization of renewable energy systems and integration into project's capital approach; and
• Serious consideration of material decisions related to embodied carbon

Eligibility Guidelines

The Climate Ready Housing Program is available for public, nonprofit, and for-profit multifamily affordable housing sponsors. At least 25% of housing occupants must have incomes not exceeding 60% of the area median income (AMI).

Schedule

• Monday, March 6, 2023: Pre-application opens
• Friday, March 31, 2023: Pre-application deadline
• Monday, April 24, 2023: Application opens (for pre-approved applicants only)
• Friday, May 19, 2023: Application deadline
• Summer 2023: Funding decision

More information and application materials can be found at lisc.org/climatereadyhousing.