EEFA National Initiatives

The Equity Working Group (EWG) interrogates the root causes of the inequitable distribution of energy efficiency that is often the result of racism and historically discriminatory policy in housing and energy. Our focus is on developing strategies that employ an equitable lens to existing and emerging local, state, and national energy policies and programs.

The Sustainability in Affordable Housing Lender Learning Network (SAHLLN) provides a platform for multifamily housing lenders and allies to discuss their experiences of barriers to increasing efficiency investments in affordable multifamily properties as well as to share the successes and lessons learned from tested strategies.

The EEFA Federal Policy Team tracks federal legislation, rules and programs related to affordable housing and energy policies. We inform coalitions, partners and allies about developments and events in Congress and federal agencies including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services. And we educate Members of Congress and Administration officials about the importance of clean energy, energy and water efficiency and the preservation of affordable housing. Federal housing and energy policy, and related programs and services, must ensure that affordable, climate-resilient and sustainable homes are available to all.

Our Healthy Affordable Building Materials team works to ensure that policy at the state and national level includes safeguards against toxic building material and provides incentives for the use of healthy building materials. We advocate for a guiding “do no harm” principle when educating policymakers about the multiple health benefits, including improved indoor air quality, of healthy building materials and energy efficiency. We work with allies and partners to develop and launch innovative pilot projects that boost utility savings for low-income renters and improve community health.