Enterprise Launches New Green Business Service in NYC to Help Retrofit Multifamily Affordable Housing

New York—Enterprise Community Partners Inc. (Enterprise) recently launched Partner Portfolio Retrofit Engagement Platform (PartnerPREP), a new green business service that will help owners of multifamily affordable housing developments to retrofit their buildings. PartnerPREP will help property owners develop and implement long-term energy savings plans to lower operating costs and provide energy- and cost-efficient homes for their low-income residents.

Enterprise received a grant award of $2.8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Energy Innovation Fund, of which $1 million will be used for PartnerPREP. Other contributors who provided funds to help launch PartnerPREP include Morgan Stanley, which provided a $200,000 grant, and the New York Community Trust, which provided a $100,000 grant. Among the first community-based affordable housing owners to participate in PartnerPREP include El Barrio’s Operation Fightback (El Barrio), South East Bronx Community Organization (SEBCO), Mutual Housing Association of New York (MHANY) and VIP Community Services.

PartnerPREP’s portfolio services include: portfolio data collection and benchmarking analysis; assessment of buildings’ existing conditions; maintenance staff interviews; energy audits; recommendations for energy reductions; building staff trainings and workshops on energy-efficient practices; performance monitoring and assessments to ensure intended savings are realized; and tenant education and outreach.

In addition, PartnerPREP will provide green and energy saving guidance and assessments on a variety of city and state programs, including the Comprehensive Needs Assessment for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Year 15 program; the Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program rebates; and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Multifamily Performance Program.