A Strong Foundation: Department of Energy Recognizes Better Climate Challenge Partner for Energy-Efficient Apartment Upgrades

Foundation Communities Recognized for Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency Advances to Multifamily Housing in Texas

Washington, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recognized Better Climate Challenge and Better Buildings Challenge partner Foundation Communities for decarbonization and energy efficiency advances made across its approximately 3-million-square-foot portfolio of multifamily housing in Texas. This progress is exemplified in Foundation Communities' Homestead Oaks Apartments, which DOE toured today alongside Foundation leadership and elected officials to get a firsthand look at decarbonization in action.

"Improving energy efficiency in multifamily homes is key to achieving national building decarbonization goals and advancing energy equity across America," said Jeff Marootian, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "We're proud to recognize Foundation Communities for their dedication to driving meaningful change in Texas communities and share their success stories that showcase the broader impact of the Better Buildings Initiative."

Across the United States, more than 30% of households rent, and more than 60% of the rental market is in multifamily buildings, accounting for more than 25 million households. Uptake of energy efficiency measures in multifamily housing has lagged other types of housing, leaving significant unrealized energy savings on the table. Those savings can be captured with deep energy retrofits and renewable energy upgrades, which increases affordability for residents while in the long-term helping preserve affordable housing by lowering operating expenses.

Foundation Communities joined the Better Buildings Challenge in 2017, committing to reduce energy intensity and water use by 20% across its portfolio, as well as the Better Climate Challenge in 2022, committing to a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Since 2014, the partner has more than doubled its solar capacity and now has more than 1.5 megawatts installed across 15 properties. Foundation Communities has also participated in several Better Climate Challenge Working Groups focused on emissions reduction and electrification and won a 2023 Better Project Award for designing low-income studio homes with a 180-kilowatt solar array and other efficiency measures.

At its Homestead Oaks Apartments, Foundation Communities has implemented efficiency and decarbonization features that are driving progress toward its portfolio-wide goals. Each unit includes energy- and water-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and low-volatile-organic-compound paints, and residents are educated on efficient thermostat use and waste reduction. These features, combined with a 190-kilowatt rooftop solar system and a centralized heat pump water heater, help residents save 40%-50% on utility bills compared to a conventionally-built property. A rain catchment cistern provides water for irrigation, further reducing costs.

The Better Climate Challenge is a component of the Better Buildings Initiative, through which DOE partners with public and private sector organizations to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient, thereby saving energy and money while reducing emissions and strengthening the economy. To date, more than 900 Better Buildings partners have saved more than $15 billion in energy costs while sharing their innovative strategies. Discover more than 3,000 of these solutions in the Better Buildings Solution Center.

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