Sustainability

Historically, California’s climate investments in decarbonizing homes focused on helping single-family homeowners. In 2011-2012, the California Housing Partnership worked with then-Assemblymember Nancy Skinner to pass a law (AB 1124) clarifying that low-income renters must be considered eligible for all utility clean energy programs and has worked since then to ensure low-income renters share equally in the state’s clean energy future. Today, the Partnership collaborates with other nonprofit entities to help disburse tens of millions annually in statewide and regional clean energy incentive programs.

Supporting Affordable Housing Providers

  • Delivering clean energy and retrofit guidance

  • Supporting financing for solar, electrification, and energy upgrades

  • Partnering on statewide sustainability programs for long-term savings

  • Advocating for equitable decarbonization and utility affordability

Sustainability Programs

Programs We Administer

Upgrades That Lower Costs and Emissions

The California Low-Income Weatherization Program for Multifamily Properties (LIWP) offers affordable housing providers no-cost technical assistance and incentives to install rooftop solar, solar water heating systems, and energy efficiency improvements in existing low-income multifamily properties.

Participating providers receive comprehensive support for planning and implementing upgrades that cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce operating costs, and deliver lower energy bills for residents—building healthier, more resilient, and affordable housing.

Delivering Clean Energy Savings to Residents

The Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program provides financial incentives and technical assistance to help affordable housing providers install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on existing multifamily properties.

Participating providers benefit from guidance and resources that make solar installation accessible and cost-effective, delivering clean energy and utility bill credits directly to low-income residents while supporting long-term affordability and sustainability goals.

Designing the Future of Affordable Housing

The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD) program The Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD) program offers incentives and technical support for new all-electric, low-income residential buildings that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Participating providers gain access to expert guidance through every stage of project development—from planning and fuel switching to low-emissions building design and incentive application support—ensuring alignment with California’s clean energy goals and delivering long-term operational savings.

Advancing Healthier, Low-Carbon Affordable Housing

The Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) Direct Install Program delivers no-cost decarbonization upgrades for eligible existing low-income multifamily properties.

Participating providers receive free energy assessments and customized installation of measures such as heat pump space and water heating systems, energy efficiency retrofits, and electrical panel improvements. These upgrades reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs for residents and owners, and support healthier, more sustainable housing.

Transforming Existing Buildings in Los Angeles. Improving Lives

The Comprehensive Affordable Multifamily Retrofits (CAMR) offers no-cost energy assessments and technical assistance to affordable housing providers in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) service territory seeking to implement energy efficiency retrofits, electrification, and on-site solar installation.

Participating providers receive expert support to identify and plan retrofit projects that reduce energy costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and improve building performance while advancing green job creation and sustainability objectives.

Publications & Events

  • Low-Income Weatherization Program Multifamily: Impact Report

    DATE: February 27, 2026

    AUTHOR: Angel Rodriguez, Senior Sustainability Program Associate

  • Federal Solar Tax Credit Changes: Why Early Action Matters for Affordable Housing Developers

    DATE: January 15, 2026

    AUTHOR: Rachael Díaz, Senior Sustainability Program Manager

  • The Road to Decarbonizing Affordable Housing and the Importance of Utility Allowances and Electricity Rates

    DATE: December 12, 2024

    AUTHOR: Andrew Dawson, Ph.D, Policy Advocacy Manager