Last May, Secretary Donovan announced the release of approximately $250 million toward Recovery Act funding. This would be
distributed as grants and loans through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The prime objectives of the
Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing are:
- To improve the operation of properties with a reduction in utility expenses
- To create green collar jobs
- To benefit the health of residents
- To benefit the environment via energy reduction
It is estimated that around 25,000 apartment units will benefit with improved energy efficiency as a result of this
initiative. In addition, several thousand green collar jobs would be created by way of workers required to retrofit the old
federally funded multi–family apartment developments with a new generation of energy efficient technology.
Eligible applicants, who must already be under conditional HUD assistance, can receive up to $15,000 per residential unit.
This amount will be spent on reducing energy costs, cutting water consumption and improving indoor air quality.
Private landlords and property management companies will also benefit by installing more efficient heating and cooling
systems, replacing water faucets and toilets thereby cutting heating and air–conditioning costs and reducing the use of
water. Special emphasis is being placed on the use of recycled building materials, low VOC products and reflective roofing.
Secretary Donovan and the HUD are committed to maintaining the highest level of transparency in administration of the
program. Every American should be assured that their tax dollars are being properly spent. Such related information can be
accessed at the HUD’s Recovery website.
