On Earth Day, DC Green Bank, Groundswell, and the DC Chamber of Commerce hosted From Energy Bills to Housing Costs: Building an Affordable and Resilient DC at the historic Howard Theatre, where solar power and a new HVAC system are keeping energy bills down.
Emceed by the Washington Business Journal’s Caitlin Lyons, the Earth Day event brought together local leaders, residents, and business owners to spotlight what’s working to cut energy costs and build resilience across the District.
Mayor Muriel Bowser provided keynote remarks, noting, “I think a big question of the moment is whether it is possible to be pro-growth and pro-climate. And in DC the answer is yes, and we’re proving that it is.”
Developers, business leaders, and residents also discussed how DC can serve as a model for other cities grappling with rising utility and housing costs and how resilient development creates jobs and a future-ready community.
Cutting Energy Bills for DC Families
The event highlighted programs like Solar for All, which is serving 30,000 DC residents, delivering nearly $6 million in annual energy savings and putting money directly back into residents’ pockets.
Key takeaway: Despite federal policy changes, community-scale clean energy demand is increasing — people are looking for ways to control their energy costs.
“I’m not as stressed as I was when I received my bills because I know I have help. It has improved the quality of life.” – Nadege Nouviale, DC Solar for All Subscriber
Investing in Housing
Developers leading the way in resilience shared details of the first Passive House-certified affordable housing building in DC, the largest PACE deal in the U.S. and largest commercial-to-residential conversion in DC, and a net-zero energy affordable housing development. They also discussed threats to DC’s affordable housing development system.
Key takeaway: Good incentives, coupled with accessible financing, can take the friction out of developing more affordable and high-performance buildings.
“This is an incredible time to facilitate change to make projects, real estate development, profitable and sustainable and affordable in all measures.” -Patrick McAnaney, Somerset Development Company
Creating Jobs & Community Development
Business leaders noted that economic development and sustainability are not in conflict — and, in fact, they reinforce each other when planned intentionally.
Key takeaway: Investments in clean energy and resilience cut operational costs, saving money for larger corporations and creating opportunities for growth for small businesses and local suppliers.
“We’re trying to be the most sustainable stadium, not just in the country, but in the world. And that requires thinking about these important points from the outset.” – Kirtan Mehta, Washington Commanders