Many organizations have produced guidelines for delivering renewable energy and efficiency upgrades for lower income populations. We have assembled some of them here.
Equitable Access to Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Resources
- Resources, Guides, & Toolkits
- Clean Energy
- Pioneer Valley
Overview
The Massachusetts Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN)
LEAN is an association of nonprofit agencies that coordinate the delivery of government and utility-funded energy efficiency services to low-income utility customers throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.
Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC)
MACDC is a membership organization that seeks to build and sustain a high performing and adaptive community development sector that is supported by private and public investment and sound public policies.
Massachusetts Climate Action Networks (MCAN)
MCAN is a non-profit that works address the climate crisis in Massachusetts by supporting local chapters and municipal-level action as well as advocating for policy change at the state and regional level. MCAN hosts educational programming including a series on affordable housing as a climate change solution.
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)
NESEA is a membership organization for high-performance building and energy efficiency professionals with the goal of advancing the adoption of sustainable energy practices in the built environment. NESEA organizes two conferences each year as well as tours of noteworthy projects in the region.
UMass Clean Energy Extension
The UMass Clean Energy Extension provides a resource to reduce market barriers and accelerate the adoption of clean energy for Massachusetts cities and towns, businesses, institutions, farms, low income and multiunit housing, and others. The UMass Clean Energy Extension provides technical support and advice upon request, and proactively seeks opportunities to promote clean energy projects.
Community Action Pioneer Valley
Community Action holds a long-term vision of safe, just, and prosperous communities throughout Franklin and Hampshire Counties and the North Quabbin region in western Massachusetts. Offers programs for fuel assistance, energy efficiency, and heating repairs.
Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. (VOC)
The Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating poverty by providing the opportunity for our low- and moderate-income neighbors, families and friends in the Greater Hampden County area. VOC provides energy assistance as well as educational, nutritional, and housing services.
Ener-G-Save
Ener-G-save works with towns, grassroots organizations, other nonprofits, and schools to lower carbon pollution and help Pioneer Valley and Berkshire residents make smart energy choices. Through their community outreach program, people are encouraged to take full advantage of existing energy efficiency incentives to live more comfortably and affordably.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
ACEEE is a non-profit that acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. ACEEE conducts research and publishes reports on topics related to energy-efficiency (including as it relates to affordable housing).
Energy Efficiency for All
A partnership of Elevate Energy, the Energy Foundation, the National Housing Trust, and the Natural Resources Defense Council that promotes coalition building to support increased energy and water efficiency to affordable housing. The group has 12 active state campaigns (not MA) as well as national initiatives. Website has resources including case studies, fact sheets, and reports.
Zero Energy Project
Zero Energy Project is a non-profit educational organization with a goal to help home buyers, builders, designers, and real estate professionals buy or build near zero or net zero energy homes. Website provides information geared toward each of the above target groups, material suggestions, model netzero policies, and other resources.