DOER’s Affordable Housing Decarbonization Grant Program was created in 2023. The large-scale grant program funds deep energy retrofits and decarbonization projects in the affordable housing sector that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The objectives of the program are to improve public health, preserve housing affordability for residents, provide local workforce opportunities, and accelerate Massachusetts’ clean energy transition.
The decarbonization of Massachusetts’ existing buildings is a critical component of the Commonwealth’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Projects will improve energy efficiency, install solar panels, make improvements like roof repairs and electrical updates, and electrify buildings through ground and air source heat pumps and other electrical appliances for low- or moderate-income housing.
Applicants seeking more than $1 million must commit to providing opportunities for the local workforce. The program will provide significant investments in the building sector, and leverage programs like Mass Save® to help affordable housing developments lower emissions and energy use.
Health benefits for residents of retrofitted buildings will include indoor air quality improvements and local air pollution reduction. Program benefits include higher performing buildings that offer residents better indoor air quality and comfort, lower ongoing energy costs for residents and affordable housing providers, the opportunity for affordable housing providers to upgrade their housing stock, and healthier air in the communities were housing is located.
The first round of grants under this program were announced in November 2023. The grants will be used to fund deep energy retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades, building system electrification, and onsite renewable energy generation in ten affordable housing developments in communities across Massachusetts.
The second round of grants were announced in July 2024. The grants will help affordable housing properties in five communities lower energy demand and decarbonize through deep energy retrofits, energy efficiency upgrades and building electrification.
DOER has awarded over $50 million in funding across the two rounds, helping to decarbonize over 1,300 units. Projects awarded to date include:
- Fairweather Salem by the Preservation of Affordable Housing
- Hanno Homes by Allston Brighton CDC
- Treehouse by Beacon Communities
- Carol Ave Apartments by Allston Brighton CDC
- Prospect Place by Valley CDC
- Former Wilson Department Store by The Community Builders
- Mildred C. Hailey Project by the Boston Housing Authority
- Mission Main Apartments by Winn Development
- Honan Apartments by Allston Brighton CDC
- Village at Brookline by Winn Development
- 124, 126, 128 Canterbury Street and 6 Florence Street by Worcester Common Ground
- Franklin Field by the Boston Housing Authority
- Orchard Gardens by Madison Park
- 259 Lowell Street by Visiting Nurse Communities
Private parties, non-profits, municipalities, or other public entities are welcome to apply for the funds.
DOER accepted grant applications for the third round through January 31, 2025. Program Opportunity Notices for possible future rounds of applications will be available on COMMBUYS and a link will be posted here.
DOER’s Affordable Housing Decarbonization Technical Assistance Program provides no-cost support to property owners of affordable housing as they transition to efficient, electrified buildings. Technical assistance is available to help private parties, non-profits, municipalities and other public entities successfully apply for grants and move forward on their journey to decarbonize affordable housing.