MARCH 2025

Connecticut Climate Resilient Energy Code for Multifamily Affordable Housing

Thank You to Our Partners and Supporters

Clean Energy Group, American Microgrid Solutions, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Connecticut Green Bank, Connecticut Insurance Department, New Buildings Institute, Yale Center on Climate Change and Health; funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Building Technologies Offices.

About this Project

First Project Phase: October 1, 2023 – March 31, 2025

For the first phase of this project, our community research team conducted in-person listening sessions to gather feedback from residents of multifamily affordable housing communities on the proposed set of code measures. Resident feedback was gathered to inform the code development process by listening to the lived experiences and input shared by those who will be directly impacted. 

Read the Draft Code Here

This draft of the Connecticut Climate Resilient Energy Code was prepared by the New Buildings Institute on behalf of the project team. This voluntary code serves as a set of guidelines that helps to ensure affordable housing sites are adequately prepared for the unexpected by installing solar panels, energy storage, and efficient heating and cooling systems. These important upgrades can keep homes safe and comfortable during power outages while supporting essential services.

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Key Findings

  1. Residents generally viewed the proposed measures of the Climate Resilient Energy (CRE) building code as a promising step toward mitigating energy-related burdens, protecting occupants’ comfort and health, and strengthening future generations’ climate and energy resilience against unprecedented challenges. 
  2. Code futureproofing, while relying on resident input, is crucial for long-term feasibility and cost reductions. Cost was a common concern shared across our feedback sessions, which is central to the feasibility of implementation. The code development process should continue to prioritize inclusive planning and adaptability of the proposed measures to future contexts and the various needs of residents living in affordable housing. 
  3. Communication and transparency are essential to effective code implementation. Transparency builds trust and proper communication ensures that residents stay informed about the status of proposed measures, code implementation timelines, and emergency procedures, which have a direct impact on their wellbeing and living conditions. 
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Read More of Our Research

Mapping Household Cost Burdens: A study of energy, transportation, water, and housing affordability in Connecticut.

Understanding the specific challenges our neighbors face is key to helping them in meaningful ways. That’s why we commissioned a study, exploring geographic patterns in spending on energy, housing, transportation, and water.

READ MORE

Too often, research studies with worthy goals fail to translate into action given the disconnect between the researchers and the community most impacted by the issue being studied, people working on the ground to support these communities, and policy makers. Working with [GPCT] connects us with all these groups, and as a result our research is bringing about real change!  DR. ANNIE HARPER, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE