Western PA Energy Conservation Collaborative
Energy Conservation Collaborative increases energy efficiency of affordable housing in Western Pennsylvania
Energy conservation is not just beneficial for the environment, it also benefits the homeowner or renter. When developers design homes with energy conservation in mind, the results are healthier homes and lower utility bills for residents.
ACTION-Housing Green developed the Western PA Energy Conservation Collaborative (WPECC) in an effort to renovate the majority of existing multi-unit affordable housing in Western PA. The goals are to reduce energy usage and CO2 emissions by an average of 25%, lower operating costs and make homes healthier for residents.
The WPECC is working to counteract the anticipated increase in energy costs that will occur when the full impact of electric deregulation is felt. When this happens, it is estimated that electricity costs may rise as much as 25 to 50%. Low-income families and individuals who already struggle to pay current utility bills may not have the resources to pay the higher bills.
The project will focus on existing structures in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Fourteen companies and groups are participating in WPECC's efforts. The participating companies currently account for 17,000 units and 340 individual projects. The WPECC's goal is to reduce energy consumption by 25%. These buildings collectively produce an estimated 77,833 metric tons of CO2 annually. The anticipated 25% reduction in energy usage and CO2 emissions is equivalent to 2,208,627 gallons of gasoline consumed or the carbon sequestered by 498,923 tree seedlings grown for ten years.
2010 Western PA Energy Conservation Collaborative Members
- ACTION-Housing, Inc.
- AHRCO
- a.m. Rodriguez Associates
- Brandywine Agency
- The Community Builders, Inc.
- Crossgates Management Inc.
- Goodwill Industries
- Housing and Neighborhood Development Services (HANDS)
- Lutheran Service Society
- Mon Valley Initiative
- National Church Residence
- NDC Real Estate Management, Inc.
- Presbyterian Senior Care
- TREK Development Group
Western PA Energy Conservation Collaborative Government Members
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
- Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
Western PA Energy Conservation Collaborative Educational Component
Power Point Presentations to come.
