Important Updates: Green Triple Decker Demonstration Project
Response to the Green Triple Decker demonstration project has been significant. Many applicants share the same questions. I’d like to clarify a few issues here as many inquiries have focused on applicant eligibility and the application timeline.
While we are very excited about creating a model for deep energy retrofit work in Boston’s historic triple decker housing style, this program is not for everyone. The on-line application describes the program eligibility criteria. Please read and carefully consider these criteria.
In brief, the program will provide up to $27,000 per structure for energy efficiency work that meets the program’s aggressive energy performance standards, but homeowner applicants must be prepared to provide the balance of the project funding with cash or financing. Total project costs may vary considerably, as structures will likely provide highly variable energy efficiency retrofit challenges. The homeowner’s share of the project could range from $25,000 to $75,000, or more depending on the scope of work. Work scopes will be developed jointly with our program partners, NSTAR, National Grid, and Energy Star.
Owner occupants, owner investors, and condo associations are all eligible to apply.
With regard to the selection process, given the response to date, the program will likely stop accepting applications early next week. Applications will be reviewed. Ineligible applicants will be removed from process. Eight to ten finalists will be chosen based on application strength and applicant readiness to proceed, while considering project location (we are seeking applicants from multiple neighborhoods). Applicants will be interviewed and five finalists chosen.
If you learn that this project is not a good fit for you, you may want to explore a new residential energy efficiency program sponsored by the City called Renew Boston.
Thank you for your interest in this program and your commitment to residential energy efficiency.
read moreBRA Accepts Green Triple Decker Program Applications
Today, the BRA will begin to accept applications from qualified homeowners for the Green Triple Decker pilot program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the first review scheduled to occur October 15th. If the BRA is satisfied with the applicant pool at that time, the application period will be closed. If not, we will extend the application period.
The Green Triple Decker Pilot Program will provide grants, matched with utility incentives, to qualifying owner applicants to achieve significant energy performance improvements in Boston’s historic triple decker housing style. Triple Decker owner applicants should be individuals who have planned some renovation work, are willing to work with a team of building energy efficiency experts to develop their project, and are ready to proceed logistically and financially.
Please complete and return the application or fill out the application online.
read moreBRA Board Boosts Green Triple Decker Program, Approves Eco-Industrial Zone RFP
The BRA board last night voted to expand the Green Triple Decker program from 2 to 5 structures, and approved release of a Request For Proposals (RFP) to identifya project manager to administer an eco-industrial zone project in Boston’s Newmarket business district. The expansion of the Triple Decker project will allow us to better identify energy efficiency best practices in one of Boston’s most historic and culturally signficant housing typologies. Together with our utility partners and ICF International, we’ll learn more about how to dramatically improve energy performance in both occupied, and unoccupied structures, and how to best balance historic preservation concerns with energy efficiency.
The Newmarket Eco-Industrial Zone project, funded by a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Sustainable Skylines program, will provide money saving sustainable business technical assistance to area businesses and fund district scale energy efficiency and renewable energy feasibility studies among other goals.
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