Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs)

    Increasing energy-efficiency should be an integral part of every PHA's operations and capital improvement-planning process. Energy-conservation improvements significantly reduce energy costs while providing additional benefits:

    • Under the three year rolling base, a PHA retains 150% of the value of the first year of energy cost savings.
    • If a PHA uses an energy performance contract, it can borrow non-HUD funding and keep 100 percent of the cost savings from energy-efficiency improvements, after loan payments, for the life of the loan.
    • Energy-conservation improvements can help ease capital improvement needs.
    • Energy conservation improvements can advance housing from a health, safety, and comfort point of view.
    • Energy conservation helps protect the environment.

    Learn more about Incentives and Funding to finance ECMs.

    Specific Energy Conservation Measures:
    These ECMs can prove cost-effective for public housing authorities.

    Building Envelope

    B1. Install Storm Windows
    B2. Install Replacement Windows
    B3. Install Window Sun Shades
    B4. Install Storm Doors
    B5. Install/Increase Attic Insulation
    B6. Install Roof Insulation
    B7. Install Wall Insulation
    B8. Control Air Leakage

    Space Heating and Cooling

    H1. Install Vent Dampers
    H2. Convert to Electronic Ignition
    H3. Install Boiler Controls
    H4. Replace Inefficient Heating Plant
    H5. Install Programmable Thermostats
    H6. Install Radiator Controls
    H7. Insulate Hot Water or Steam Pipes
    H8. Convert Steam Heating to Hot Water Distribution
    H9. Seal and Insulate Ducts
    H10. Install Geothermal Heat Pumps
    H11. Install Swamp Coolers

    Domestic Water-Heating Systems

    W1. Install Water-Efficient Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
    W2. Insulate Hot Water Tanks
    W3. Install Hot Water Off-Peak Controls
    W4. Convert Laundry to Cold Rinse
    W5. Replace Inefficient Water Heaters
    W6. Install Summertime Water Heaters
    W7. Convert Water Heater System to Solar

    Lighting

    L1. Replace Incandescent Lighting with Compact Fluorescent Lamps in Dwelling Units
    L2. Replace Incandescent Lighting with Fluorescent Lighting in Common Areas
    L3. Replace Standard Fluorescent Lamps with Energy-Saving Lamps and Install Electronic Ballasts in Common Areas
    L4. Install Lighting Controls in Common Areas
    L5. Convert Exterior Lighting Fixtures
    L6. Install Photo-Controls for Exterior Lighting

    Miscellaneous ECMs

    M1. Replace Older Refrigerators with High-Efficiency Units
    M2. Install Energy- and Water-Efficient Washers and Dryers
    M3. Convert Water Supply Pumps
    M4. Install Checkmetering or Individual Metering
    M5. Install Water-Saving Toilets

    View the ENERGY STAR® and Other Federal Programs page for more resources to reduce energy costs.