The Boston Climate Action Network is thrilled to celebrate another step forward in our ongoing efforts toward green, healthy, and affordable homes. Affordable housing building owners can now apply for up to $10,000 grants supporting deep energy retrofits and decarbonization thanks to a new program announced by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. These funds will enable comprehensive energy assessments, aiding owners in improving building performance and achieving significant energy savings and carbon emission reductions. The program, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), empowers building owners to conduct comprehensive energy assessments, which serve as the initial step in improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
For over a year, BCAN has been outspoken in our desire to see all homes in Boston eliminate fossil fuels to protect the health of our communities and our planet. However, it is critical we avoid “green gentrification,” or the rapid rise of rents and displacement resulting from clean energy renovations. We are glad to see this program focuses the funds on those who need help the most: our city’s lowest-income residents. BCAN Advocacy Director Hessann Farooqi celebrated the announcement, saying “I’m thrilled to see another step forward in getting funds to those who need it. I applaud Mayor Wu and her administration for funding this program. However, we need more funding to make every single building fossil fuel-free. That’s why we need to pass important state legislation, like the Zero Carbon Renovation Fund.”
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