There are more than 17 million multifamily households nationwide, yet they remain a significant and mostly untapped opportunity for energy efficiency gains. Many cities and states that have embraced energy retrofitting as a job creator and boon to both the environment and economy have yet to address potential savings in multifamily properties, primarily because of obstacles not faced by single family and commercial properties. This paper discusses two barriers -- a lack of information and financing -- that stand in the way of multifamily energy retrofits.

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on strategies in building interest in and introducing energy efficiency to affordable housing.

Highlights the EcoHouse Project Loan Program, which provides fixed interest rate loans as a tool for enabling energy improvements among households that are otherwise unlikely to be able to access affordable financing at market rates.

This market assessment for the St. Louis Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program identifies the customers and potential demand for an energy efficiency upgrade financing program.

Case study highlighting Saint Louis County, MO's use of QECBs to fund a residential energy efficiency loan program.

A sample competitive procurement procedure to award loan loss reserve funds to a financial institution partner.