From the Chicago Housing Authority's (CHA) press release:
CHA has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge, committing to a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and 15 percent energy use reduction over the next 10 years.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Better Climate Challenge in Fall 2021. Once committed to the Challenge, participating organizations receive technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and DOE, facilitated peer learning and access to subject matter experts, and a platform to demonstrate their commitment to being part of the solution to climate change.
To reach its emissions reduction goal, CHA will continue to utilize energy savings and weatherization assistance programs while working to integrate sustainability into data-driven, multi-year capital planning. The CHA is also piloting several building electrification projects and seeking opportunities to increase its renewable energy usage.
“This is a vital program focused on decarbonization and CHA’s commitment cannot be understated,” said CHA CEO Tracey Scott. “CHA is proud to be a partner and join as the largest PHA to date in the Challenge.”
Eric Garrett, CHA’s Chief Operation Officer, said:
“We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across our portfolio and transitioning to clean energy, and we plan to share our carbon reduction progress and strategies with the broader market to help others build on our success.”
CHICAGO (July 12, 2023) – The Better Climate Challenge builds on over a decade of DOE experience through the Better Buildings Initiative. Through Better Buildings, DOE and HUD partner with public and private sector organizations to make commercial, public, industrial, and residential buildings more efficient, thereby saving billions of dollars on energy bills, reducing emissions, and creating thousands of jobs. To date, more than 950 Better Buildings partners have shared their innovative approaches and strategies for adopting energy efficient technologies.
Deputy Director of Building Operations, Ellen Sargent, who leads CHA’s sustainability efforts, said:
“We look forward to working with DOE and HUD and our peers in the challenge to turn the threat of climate change into an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and create a better planet.”
Sarah Buchhorn, CHA’s Sustainability Manager, said:
“As the largest housing authority to participate in the challenge, the CHA is looking to make a significant impact on its portfolio to mitigate the impacts of climate change and serve as a leader and resource for other public housing authorities.”