NORTHSIDE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADE FUNDING NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

Sustain Dane is now accepting applications for the Efficiency Navigator program to help affordable rental housing in the Northside of Madison become more efficient and resilient, while reducing operating costs and utility bills for residents. The Efficiency Navigator is a partnership between Sustain Dane, Elevate, the Northside Planning Council, and the City of Madison.

Madison, WI - The Efficiency Navigator program emphasizes resiliency, equity, and sustainability in affordable rental housing.  

The program aims to upgrade 100 units of rental housing. Selected buildings will receive funding in the range of $10,000 - $20,000 for efficiency upgrades such as efficient lighting, improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, improved insulation, air sealing, water softener optimization, tune-ups or replacement, water conserving fixtures, and recommendations to improve home health (e.g. asthma triggers). Properties will be located in Southwest Madison and Madison’s Northside. Southwest buildings have been selected as part of the 2020 demonstration project. The application is now open for buildings on the Northside of Madison that are interest in participating. Upgrades can save up to 20% on energy and water bills, make more comfortable and resilient homes, and support a healthier planet. 

“This program is a great example of how we can achieve multiple goals at once – lowering bills, improving homes, helping the climate, and supporting jobs,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. “I hope landlords and renters will take a close look at how this opportunity could benefit them and take the first step to learn more.”

“Reducing monthly expenses for utility costs can help keep rental units affordable and reduce the expense for residents,” said Sustain Dane Executive Director Claire Oleksiak. “Plus, efficiency upgrades can lead to more comfortable and healthy homes to live in.”

This opportunity is made possible through funding from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission Office of Energy Innovation and in partnership with the City of Madison, Sustain Dane, Elevate, and the Northside Planning Council.

“Reducing monthly expenses for utility costs can help keep rental units affordable and reduce the expense for residents,” said Sustain Dane Executive Director Claire Oleksiak. “Plus, efficiency upgrades can lead to more comfortable and healthy homes to live in.”

Eligibility - Buildings must be renter occupied, have 2 - 20 units, and be unsubsidized (units with voucher holders are eligible). The rent should be at or below the City of Madison’s Fair Market Rent limit, and owners must commit to maintain Fair Market Rent for at least three years after the upgrades. 

We strongly encourage owners of buildings with families and buildings with high utility bills to apply, as efficiency upgrade needs and savings potential will be prioritized.

What is Provided

• Energy & water assessment, report, and roadmap to upgrades
• Focus on Energy in-unit savings packs for residents
• Recommended pool of contractors, contractor coordination, and review of bids
• Funding of $10,000 - $20,000 for upgrades for an anticipated energy and water savings of up to 20%
• Direct payments to contractor (owner will not need to be reimbursed)
• On-site review of completed work
• Outreach about energy & water saving and more comfortable & healthy homes.      

Apply - Learn more, recommend your building as a resident, or apply as a property owner at www.SustainDane.org. Rolling application review starts Monday, August 23. Attend our Zoom information session to learn more on Thursday, August 19 at 11 AM. Registration available on www.SustainDane.org.

About

Sustain Dane is a local non-profit with the vision for a thriving and inclusive community with a sustainable environment and economy we are proud to pass on to future generations. For over 20 years, Sustain Dane has worked to inspire, connect, and support people to accelerate equity and sustainable actions for community wellbeing.
 

Partners - This opportunity is made possible through funding from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission Office of Energy Innovation and in partnership with the City of Madison, Elevate, and the Northside Planning Council.