Foundation Communities

Foundation Communities (FC) is an Austin-based nonprofit that owns and manages 26 multifamily and single resident occupancy (SRO) communities in Texas – 23 in Austin and three in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. FC’s housing-plus-services approach combines affordable housing with social services to empower thousands of low-income residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles.

Foundation Communities signed on to the Better Climate Challenge in 2022, committing to a 50% reduction in GHG emissions across their 2.9 million-square-foot portfolio over 10 years. The organization employs deep green building strategies and sustainable operations and maintenance policies that focus on energy and water conservation, healthy indoor air, and waste reduction. Many of FC's properties are LEED certified and hold Austin Energy Green Building 5-star ratings. Since 2014, they have more than doubled their solar capacity and now have 1.5 Megawatts installed across 15 properties.

Foundation Communities received a 2023 Better Project Award for designing low-income studio homes with a 180kW solar array and various efficiency measures.

PORTFOLIO-WIDE LEADERSHIP COMMITMENTS

50% GHG reduction in 10 years

20% reduction in energy intensity

20% reduction in water intensity

Implementation Model

Foundation Communities: Applying Lessons Learned for Scalable Heat Pump and Tenant-Benefitting Solar Strategies

Showcase Project

Foundation Communities: Waterloo Terrace

Presentation

Millennial Leaders vs. The Climate Crisis

Presentation

Millennial Leaders vs. The Climate Crisis

Presentation

Executive Panel: Leadership in Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency

Presentation

Executive Panel: Leadership in Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency

Implementation Model

Foundation Communities: Water Consumption Monitoring System

Showcase Project

Foundation Communities: Trails at the Park

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

50% Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 Emissions 50% reduction in GHG emissions across a portfolio of 3.2 million square feet.

Commitment

3.2 Million Square Feet

Progress

36% Reduction in Scope 1 & 2 Emissions

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

20% Reduction in Energy Intensity Foundation Communities has committed to a 20% reduction in portfolio energy intensity from a 2014 baseline by 2023.

Commitment

3.2 Million Square Feet

Progress

18% Cumulative (vs. Baseline)

Water Reduction

Goal

20% Reduction in Water Intensity Foundation Communities has committed to a 20% reduction in portfolio water use intensity from a 2014 baseline by 2023.

Commitment

3.2 Million Square Feet

Progress

15% Cumulative (vs. Baseline)

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

Better Buildings Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress

Water Reduction

Goal

Commitment

Progress

DOE Program Participation