The following list identifies useful documents, publications, and
information related to resource conservation in public housing.
HUD Energy Guidance
Energy
Conservation for Housing – A Workbook, HUD, September 1998.
Aimed at PHAs interested in making energy conservation improvements.
Available online at the above link, or from HUD's Public and Indian
Housing Information Center at (800) 955-2232.
Utility Allowance Guidebook
PIH
Management Plan Goals
HUD's Energy Action Plan
Describes activities that HUD is undertaking to support the energy
efficiency and conservation goals of the National Energy Policy.
Promoting
Energy Efficiency at HUD in a Time of Change (.pdf format)
This report to congress, released in August 2006, outlines HUD’s
integrated energy strategy for public and assisted housing. The
report details established policies that HUD is simplifying or improving,
such as Energy
Performance Contracting; new steps HUD is taking, such as Asset
Management; and measures it is proposing to take in the future
to address rising energy costs through energy and water efficiency.
Other Articles and Publications
Lawrence Berkley Lab Releases
“Survey of the U.S. ESCO Industry – Market Growth and
Development from 2000 to 2006”
In a
recent report, the Lawrence Berkley Labs evaluated trends in the
U.S. energy services company (ESCO) industry. The study indicated
that the ESCO industry is well positioned for growth. From 1990
to 2000 the industry’s annual revenue growth rate averaged
20%. However from 2001 to 2003 revenue growth declined to a 3% annual
rate. Retail competition, industry consolidation and limitation
on federal sector use of energy performance contacting were cited
as key factors in the decline. Growth picked up again in the 2004-06
period with revenue growth rates in the 22% range. The study cited
rising energy prices, growing interest in energy efficiency and
climate change as some reasons for the renewed revenue growth.
Public and Indian Housing
(PIH) Allows Housing Agency Energy Procurements through the ENERGY
STAR Quality Quotes Website
A HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) has streamlined
the procurement process for purchasing energy-saving products through
the Department of Energy’s ‘ENERGY STAR Quantity Quotes’
website. By purchasing energy-saving products through the website,
Housing Agencies (HAs) can reduce their processing costs and improve
their purchasing timelines. PIH has determined that this procurement
method is in compliance with 24 CFR 85.36 and the Procurement Handbook.
Cool Roofs Mean Hot Savings
Approximately $40 billion is spent annually in the United States
to cool buildings, one-sixth of all energy consumed. Most traditional
roofing materials stay “hot,” absorbing 70% or more of the solar
energy striking them. Energy-efficient roofing systems, often referred
to as “cool roofs”, absorb less than 35% of this solar energy staying
50 to 60 degrees cooler during peak summer conditions than traditional
dark roof materials. Cool roofs reflect the sun’s radiant energy
before it penetrates the building envelope helping to dramatically
reduce cooling costs.
Summer Savings Time
Just because temperatures are rising, doesn't mean your energy bills
have to as well. Saving energy costs during the summer months can
be easier than you think. Check out these simple energy saving tips
to help keep your energy cost down.
Improving
Energy Efficiency in Apartment Buildings, American Council
for an Energy-Efficient Economy, 1995. ISBN 0-918249-23-6.
Provides an overview of multifamily housing, addresses holistic
approaches to audits and retrofits, highlights case studies, and
features recommendations.
Guidance
Manuals for Operators of Small Natural Gas and LP Gas Systems,
Office of Pipeline Safety, August 1997.
Aims to simplify the pipeline safety regulations and requirements
for operators of both large and small systems.
National
Energy Policy
President George W. Bush established a national energy policy designed
to help the both the private sector and the Government promote dependable,
affordable, and environmentally sound production and distribution
of energy for the future. This publication identifies the recommendations
of the National Energy Policy Development group to accomplish the
pollicy's goals.
Building
Commissioning, the Key to Quality Assurance
A Rebuild America publication that discusses building commissioning
as a means of maximizing building performance and energy efficiency.
The guide will help building owners and project managers understand
what the costs and benefits of commissioning are, how to benefit
from commissioning their building, and why to select particular
agents to act as a commissioning authority, or as commissioning
team members.
Buildings
Energy Data Book
Produced by the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy to provide a current and accurate
set of comprehensive buildings- and energy-related data.
PATH
Technology Roadmap: Energy Efficiency in Existing Homes, Volume
Two: Strategies Defined
Presents a vision for the housing industry that includes improving
the energy performance of existing homes and decreasing energy use
by an average of 30 percent in at least 50 million existing homes
by 2010. The publication gives an overview of the energy use situation
today, describes the barriers to increasing energy efficiency, and
offers a roadmap to achieving PATH's vision of improved energy efficiency.
New Construction
A Community Guide to Basic and Cost-Saving Construction in the
American Southwest
A new book developed by HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
(PD&R) and the Partnership for Advancing Technology and Housing
(PATH) that showcases the cost benefits of energy-efficient home
construction and rehabilitation in the
rural Southwest. A bilingual publication aimed at non-profit housing
developers, planning officials, local housing advocates, do-it-yourself
homeowners, and community groups that provide housing in this region
of the country. Available from HUD USER by calling 1-800-245-2691.
A summary is available at http://www.huduser.org/publications/destech/cost_saving.html.
Southwest
Housing Traditions
Written for providers of low-income housing, this report analyzes
traditional construction materials and methods in the Southwest,
and considers the lessons that can be applied today. The report
explains that traditional Southwestern construction designs and
materials are generally cost-competitive, and resource and energy
efficient. A print copy can also be purchased from the HUD
USER Web Store or by calling 1-800-245-2691.
Hybrid
Wood and Steel DetailsBuilder's Guide
Developed by HUD's Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing
(PATH), this publication provides the information and insights that
builders need to construct
hybrid cold-formed steel and wood homes. Information presented is
applicable to detached one- and two-family dwelling, townhouse,
and other attached single-family dwelling configurations.
Better
Bricks
Provides a host of information related to energy management. While
primarily intended for commercial buildings, much of the information
on this website is applicable to multifamily housing, as well.
Rehab and Repair
Energy Calculators:
Mold and Hurricane Rebuilding
The following resources discuss mold in hurricane and flood damaged
housing. Mold is a major health hazard and can become difficult
to control if not dealt with promptly and properly.
More PHECC Information on Hurricane Rebuilding
PHECC provides information on improving disaster-resistance, energy
efficiency and durability in construction and renovation. View
this information. PHAs should carefully consider the most effective
ways to reduce energy use and protect residents against rising prices.
PHAs are encouraged to use energy
performance contracts for energy-saving upgrades and conduct
self-financed energy
conservation measures.
Information is available for residents to reduce energy use this
winter. PHAs may print a flyer for residents and post it in common
areas. The
flyer is provided in English and Spanish. The recommended steps
will help residents combat higher utility bills this winter.
More hurricane rebuilding information is available from these resources:
HUD Rehabilitation Energy Guidelines
One easy-to-use source for finding cost-effective ways to remodel
an existing building is the HUD Energy
Efficient Rehab Advisor. The Rehab Advisor energy efficiency
recommendations are based on ENERGY STAR® specifications,
where applicable. Check out the Rehab Advisor Installation
and Rehab Tips.
Best
Practices for Effecting the Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing
The rehab process is far less predictable and in many ways more
challenging than new construction. However, to date there has been
a lack of indepth, practical guidance on the many barriers to rehabilitation
of affordable housing. This two-volume report distills the practices
that have been shown to work to implement the renovation of affordable
housing. These best practices are designed to address the challenges
to rehab at its development, construction, and occupancy stages.
Indoor
Air Quality: Mold
Mold problems in your properties could have negative impacts on
your residents, causing poor indoor air quality, potential health
affects, damage to buildings, and more. But you can control mold
by controlling moisture. Look to EPA's Mold Resources website for
help with identifying the sources of mold, effective cleaning techniques,and
reducing future mold problems.
PIH
Maintenance Guidebook #7 - Termite, Insect & Rodent Control
This Guidebook provides information on modern Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) to control pests, a new approach which provides a higher level
of control at lower costs to HAs (September, 1995). Also see the
PIH
Notice on voluntary IPM guidance.
PHECC Cost Reduction Toolbox
Provides explanations of specific operations and maintenance measures
designed to reduce water and energy consumption, while potentially
also improving the comfort, health, and safety of dwelling units.
HUD Links
HUD Sites
HUD Homes and Communities
Serves as a clearinghouse of information related to homes and communities.
Provides information on a variety of topics related to housing.
Information is organized by both topic and audience group. Examples
include Multifamily Housing Industry and Housing
Agencies/Tribes.
HUD User
A primary source for Federal Government reports and information
on housing policy and programs, building technology, economic development,
urban planning, and other housing-related topics. A primary source
for Federal Government reports and information on housing policy
and programs, building technology, economic development, urban planning,
and other housing-related topics.
HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing
Provides information especially geared toward public housing agencies,
Native American tribes, and tribally-designated housing entities.
HUD Office of Community Planning and Development:
Energy
Provides information on energy standards for new construction,
HUD Rehabilitation Energy Guidelines, state-by-state code requirements,
and more.
Local HUD Offices
Provides contact information for each state's local HUD office.
HUD Hope VI Grant Program
Provides information on grants available to revitalize public housing.
HUDCLIPS
Offers free access to HUD's official repository of policies, procedures,
announcements, and other materials.
HUD Forms
Provides access to downloadable HUD forms, including Environmental
Assessment Checklist, Rental Housing Project Income Analysis Appraisal,
and many more.
Partnership for Advancing
Technology in Housing (PATH)
PATH is dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies
that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency,
environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing.
Procurement
Handbook for Public and Indian Housing Authorities (7460.8)
The previous version of this Procurement Handbook (Rev-1, January,
1993) assumed, primarily, a centralized approach to PHA purchasing,
where a central purchasing department handled most aspects of the
procurement function, from cost estimation through contract administration.
Under asset management, purchasing functions are frequently administered
by on-site personnel, with appropriate supervision and controls.
The Department recognizes that PHAs may elect different organizational
approaches to purchasing and that this handbook is permissive of
both approaches. HUD Handbook 7460.8 REV 2, dated 2/2007.
Local
Energy Information
Identifies programs and other resources that can provide energy
information and assistance by state. For more information, E-mail
Robert
Groberg at HUD.