Helping to build a new future
for multifamily housing

California Multifamily Consortium

The California Multifamily Consortium strives to improve delivery of energy efficiency services to the multifamily housing sector.

Resources & Programs

Case Studies
San Clemente Family Homes
Marin County Public Housing Authority recently adopted a performance-based utility allowance to encourage investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the public housing market. This paper gives a brief look at how Ecumenical Affordable Housing, Inc. used this program to finance $100,000 in energy efficiency improvements and a renewable energy system for their new, multifamily affordable housing project.

Technical Case Study of Performance-based Utility Allowance
Heschong Mahone Group prepared Sample Allowances for Bay Area Housing Authorities. Use this link to view a complete study by HMG (you'll need to type in a little info to get to the study).

Oakland Housing Authority & Rebuild America
OHA is taking a leadership role in energy-efficiency for public and multifamily housing by implementing conservation measures and practices throughout its buildings. The goal is to reduce costs to both the housing authority and the low-income populations it serves while improving resident comfort.

Colorado Court
A project that sets a new standard for energy- and resource-efficient affordable housing.

20th Street Apartments
A pioneering example of an energy-efficient rehabilitation of a low-income housing development.

Brookview Senior Housing
A senior housing apartment complex that improved energy performance, comfort, and operational savings.

First Community Housing
Builds high-quality, eco-friendly, affordable housing developments. Projects include Betty Ann Gardens, El Paseo Studios, Murphy Ranch and Craig Gardens Senior Apartments.

Betty Ann Gardens
78 unit multifamily project which exceeds Title 24 standards by 25%. Completed in 2003.

El Paseo Studios
98 unit transit-oriented SRO. Completed in 2003

Murphy Ranch
100 family townhouses exceeding Title 24 by 26%. First phase completed in 2003

Craig Gardens Senior Apartments
90 unit senior housing built in 2002

Encouraging Energy Efficient Low-Income Housing Construction

Establishing & Implementing the Energy Efficient Utility Allowance Schedule: Housing Authority of the County of Riverside

The Greening of Public Housing Projects: HUD renews push to encourage public housing agencies to invest in energy efficient programs

Request for program information and case studies: The CA MF Consortium would like to post information on your program/resource and/or case studies related to energy efficiency projects on our website! If you can tie a case study to a specific program/resource then all the better. Please send all inquiries to Orion Fulton at orion@seiinc.org.

Success Stories

A Meeting of the Minds
It’s rare when the worlds of public housing and academia meet, but when Rick Diamond, staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and instructor of an architectural course at the University of California, approached OHA about a site visit and case study, we opened our doors to welcome his class.

The group of 15 graduate architectural and engineering students met with OHA staff on March 4 to explore firsthand the building renovation process. In this case, we visited the completely remodeled Phase I and II of Lockwood Gardens, and viewed the remaining Phase III—142 units of World War II housing patiently awaiting their turn at beautification. The class was overwhelmed by the contrast between the “before” and the “after.” Both the class and the instructor were surprised at the community feeling that was created by the architecture, site planning, and landscaping. They commented on the quality of the interior finishes, and the design changes made to provide more living space for the residents. One student (from St. Louis) said he had never seen public housing look so livable. The unanimous opinion from the class was that “they didn't expect it would look so good.” David Brown, Construction Project Manager for Lockwood, was our very knowledgeable guide for the tour. Coincidentally, David is a graduate of the U.C. Berkeley architectural program.

Prior to the walk-through, students and OHA staff engaged in a free flowing dialog about energy efficiency, indoor air quality, budget challenges, foundation structure, the high water table, and negotiating architectural contracts. The time spent together was mutually beneficial, instructive, and lots of fun for everyone.

Submitted by Judy Monnier, Oakland Housing Authority