Skip to content

Resource Library

ACEEE Report: A New Lease on Energy: Guidance for Improving Rental Housing Efficiency at the Local Level 

Download

Overview

Read the guide which presents a series of actions that local governments can take to reduce energy use in rental properties, preserve or increase housing affordability, and build the capacity of local communities to design, implement, and evaluate equitable policies.

Rental homes are typically less energy-efficient than owner-occupied ones, leaving many renters with high energy burdens. This guide presents a series of actions that local governments can take to reduce energy use in rental properties, preserve or increase housing affordability, and build the capacity of local communities to design, implement, and evaluate equitable policies.

We show how local governments can use rental housing market analysis and community engagement to identify equitable rental energy efficiency policy and program options. We also demonstrate the importance of formalizing and maintaining partnerships with local stakeholders to effectively implement multiple rental efficiency initiatives. ACEEE, in partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), developed this guide based on new independent case study research and discussions with a peer-to-peer USDN learning group of local governments.

Continue reading and download the report on ACEEE.org.

Related Resources

Hyperlink icon to reveal a BPA Resource

Healthy Indoors Magazine: March 2023

Read the March 2023 issue of Healthy Indoors Magazine online.

Download this BPA resource

NEEP: 2023 Updated MA Residential Stretch Code Summary

This resource summarizes all new provisions and changes in the 2023 update to the Massachusetts energy stretch code for residential buildings.

Download this BPA resource

Consumer Guide to Solar Electricity

Adding solar to your property is a big decision. This guide will help homeowners understand the basics of renewable energy, financing options, impacts to their electric bill, and which questions to ask the experts.