HUD’s Affordable Green Initiative is a pilot program to support HUD grantees and affordable housing organizations in achieving portfolio-wide improvements. The vision of the initiative is to enable organizations to institutionalize sustainability and achieve higher levels of performance of the management of their housing portfolios. Sustainable Performance Institute (SPI), a private third-party accreditation provider, has partnered with HUD to offer affordable housing organizations the chance to become accredited under a customized, performance-based system. Accreditation will differentiate organizations that seek to implement green building and operational best practices, build capacity of staff, track and measure building performance effectively over time, realize significant improvements in health and energy efficiency, and achieve exemplary cost savings.

What is being offered?

The initial Application Period for Accreditation is November 8-28, 2012. The accreditation process includes: orientation, assessment, technical assistance, review of goals, policies, and practices; and ultimately an award of the HUD green organizational accreditation to qualified organizations. Participants will be expected to complete the program in 2013.

What is addressed by accreditation?

Accreditation addresses the two key aspects of sustainability, Portfolio Management and Organizational Effectiveness:

Portfolio Management

• Outcomes & Metrics
• Long-Term Planning
• O&M, Continuous Improvement
• Rehabilitation
• New Construction

Organizational Effectiveness

• Commitment, Goals & Planning
• Infrastructure & Support
• External Relationships
• Outcomes & Metrics

Who can participate?

The no-cost pilot program can serve up to 100 organizations, to be selected on a first-come first-served basis. Eligible participants include PHAs, CHDOs or other HUD housing partners that have implemented or are seeking to implement energy management programs and green building and management practices.

How can I get more information?

To learn more, download the informational webinar slides and informational webinar Q&A at the bottom of this page. You can also email us at elisabeth@sustainable-performance.org.

The Initial Application Period for Accreditation is closed. Please contact Elisabeth Krautscheid at elisabeth@sustainable-performance.org if you wish to be informed if the program begins accepting applications again.

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