How the IRA and USGBC are Expanding Green Home Building
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is beginning to show promising results in its commitment to equity-focused funding, significantly benefiting disadvantaged communities. Recent developments highlight how IRA-funded programs are rolling out to prioritize low-income households and underserved areas. Notably, New Mexico and Arizona have launched home energy rebate programs that provide substantial discounts for energy-efficient upgrades, with a strong focus on supporting those with lower incomes. Additionally, Wisconsin’s Home Efficiency Rebates program offers high-value incentives for overall energy savings, underscoring the IRA’s impact on improving energy access and affordability for vulnerable populations.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to allocate a substantial portion of the IRA’s $8.8 billion for home energy rebate programs to low-income households, with at least $2.6 billion earmarked for these communities. The Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program has also seen significant uptake, particularly in solar projects, and the HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program continues to fund energy and resilience improvements in multifamily housing. As more states and programs launch, the IRA’s investments are not only advancing climate goals but also creating jobs and improving living conditions, demonstrating a tangible commitment to equity and sustainability in the green building sector.
