Cambridge, MA Housing Authority

Established in 1935, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is a Moving to Work agency that provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance to more than 5,500+ low-income families, elders and disabled individuals through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs. CHA invests in Cambridge, MA families and provides enhanced support to almost 10% of the city population. By tailoring its approach to focus on policy innovation and family economic opportunities, CHA is able to meet its mission to develop and manage safe, good quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in a manner which promotes citizenship, community and self-reliance in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country.

Currently the Cambridge Housing Authority has embarked on the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) with comprehensive modernization of five large developments (839 units). All of CHA’s capital improvement follows the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria for energy conservation and improved healthy living conditions. CHA focuses on basic conservation with augmented insulation, improved air sealing, water conservation, LED lighting retrofits, and high efficiency heating plants. CHA also produces close to 14% of its electric consumption onsite via solar PV and combined heat and power plants.

Webinar

Innovative Energy Efficiency Financing in Public Housing

Presentation

Multifamily Meet-Up

Presentation

Multifamily Meet-Up

Showcase Project

Cambridge Housing Authority: Frank J. Manning Apartments

Leadership Commitments

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

20% Reduction in Energy Intensity 20% reduction in energy intensity from a 2014 baseline.

Commitment

2.5 Million Square Feet

Energy Goal Achieved

Better Buildings Challenge

Additional Goal

20% Reduction in Energy Intensity 20% reduction in energy intensity from a 2018 baseline.

Progress

-2% Cumulative (vs. Baseline)

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Better Buildings Challenge

Additional Goal

Progress