In Brooklyn, a new program called EnergyFit aims to upgrade 70 two- and three-family homes over the next two years. The initiative, launched in 2024, is funded by federal and private dollars and offers free home repairs and upgrades.
The program focuses on small buildings, particularly brownstones built before 1930, which have often gone without energy efficiency measures since their initial construction. EnergyFit staff work with homeowners to assess their properties and identify areas for improvement.
Work includes sealing windows, adding insulation, installing low-flow water fixtures, and upgrading electrical panels and wiring. They also swap out gas stoves for induction ones, improving air quality by eliminating pollutants associated with fossil fuels.
The program’s director, Rebekah Morris-Gonzalez, says the benefits extend beyond carbon reductions to health improvements and comfort. EnergyFit aims to help households in disinvested communities, where people are often “house-rich, cash-poor,” and struggle with maintenance.
To date, 12 homes have been completed, with an average cost of $27,000 per home. While only a fraction of costs have been covered by incentives, the program provides essential support for homeowners who may not be able to afford upgrades on their own.
The EnergyFit model is being tested to understand what it takes to retrofit small buildings and measure carbon reductions and impacts on utility bills. The initiative’s success depends on making these homes more energy-efficient and comfortable without fully transitioning them to electric from fossil fuels.
Source: https://www.thecity.nyc/2024/12/18/grassroots-program-makes-old-homes-greener