EEFA Initiative Update
Since 2013, Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) has connected climate, health, and equity by bringing energy efficiency to affordable housing. To date, more than 200,000 renters have benefitted from energy efficiency because of the advocacy of EEFA partners.
In 2020, a revisioning process was begun to support more democratic decision making among those working at the state and local level, to open up partnership in this work in a more equitable way by including frontline organizations and impacted communities in shaping the work, and to be more transparent around allocation of funding for this effort.
For more information about the genesis of this process, please review the EEFA assessment report, prepared by Keecha Harris and Associates.
Our Issues
We all have the right to a secure and healthy home and a clean and safe environment, but those seemingly basic rights are out of reach for millions of Americans. Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) unites people from diverse sectors and backgrounds, including housing, energy efficiency, environmental, health, and community leaders, to collectively make multifamily homes healthy and affordable through energy and water efficiency.
Betty Arnez found it difficult to get by with high energy bills before efficiency upgrades were made to her apartment. Photo by Marcela Gara, Resource Media.
Energy efficient and affordable homes remain out of reach for millions of Americans, spurred on by flawed energy and housing policies. Our advocacy and organizing persuade local, state and federal officials to deliver more equitable policies.
The challenges that inhibit access to affordable and healthy homes are complex and require cooperative and interdisciplinary solutions. EEFA supports collaboration across both state and national efforts to learn together and develop collective solutions.
Energy efficiency improves indoor air quality and protects residents from harmful weather. The use of non-toxic building materials in energy retrofits protects residents, installers, and the broader community from exposure to dangerous chemicals.
Utility bills can comprise one-fifth of operating expenses of multifamily buildings. Savings via energy and water efficiency upgrades allow housing providers to replenish their reserves, address deferred maintenance, and increase resident services.
Energy efficiency is beneficial for both owners and residents of affordable housing. EEFA promotes proven best practices in program design and implementation to help administrators meet the needs of building owners and residents.
The share of income that black, Latinx, renters, and rural households spend on energy is far greater than for other households. Energy efficiency improvements can significantly cut or eliminate the excess energy burden experienced by these households.
