District of Columbia Housing Authority

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is an independent government agency whose mission is to provide quality affordable housing for extremely low- through moderate-income households, foster sustainable communities, and cultivate opportunities for residents to improve their lives. As one of the District’s largest landlords, DCHA provides subsidized housing to nearly 50,000 residents, nearly one-tenth of the District’s population.

Since 2007, DCHA has served as its own Energy Services Company and funded a $26 million energy performance contract (EPC), named the Energy Capital Improvement Program (ECIP). DCHA’s ECIP has delivered an annual reduction of 1,047,093 kWh and 635,346 Therms of natural gas. These reductions equate to preventing 4,091 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere, the same amount of energy used by 373 typical homes or 9,740,476 million miles driven by a passenger vehicle.

DCHA looks forward to working with the Better Buildings Challenge as it strives to reduce utility consumption and costs, improve building efficiencies, and promote green living. DCHA will build upon its self-managed EPC to achieve these goals with investments in proven energy conservation measures. Through the second iteration of the ECIP innovative renewable energy strategies will be deployed such as solar photovoltaics, flue gas heat recovery systems, development of geothermal systems, and piloting a fuel cell installation. DCHA is also developing a comprehensive training program for operations and maintenance staff and cutting edge resident engagement training to drive behavioral change and to deepen energy reductions.

Showcase Project

District of Columbia Housing Authority: Fort Lincoln

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress