The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER), along with RIHousing and the Rhode Island Energy (RIE), have announced the funding of four affordable, energy-efficient homes in Providence, Hopkinton, and Tiverton.
The $500,000 in funding for the homes is part of the Zero Energy for the Ocean State (ZEOS) Demonstration Program, which is focused on the construction of cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and net-zero homes. The initiative is a collaboration between the three organizations with the goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing while also reducing carbon emissions.
The four projects receiving funding are:
Parcel 9 (Providence): Pennrose, LLC is constructing a 66-unit new construction apartment building, a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. All units will be made available to those making between 30% to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The building will be equipped with a net metered rooftop solar system, along with air source heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). This project is receiving $97,000 from the ZEOS Program. Summer Street (Providence): Crossroads Rhode Island is developing 176 one-bedroom units, all of which will be for those with incomes at or below 30% of the AMI. Crossroads will install a rooftop net metered solar system, along with air source heat pumps and ERVs. This project is receiving $250,000 from the ZEOS Program. Sandywoods (Tiverton): Church Community Housing Corporation has completed two net-zero houses to date through the ZEOS Demonstration Program, with three additional net-zero homes currently under construction. The $34,000 received in this third round of ZEOS funding will add two more single family net-zero houses. The homes will be made available to households with incomes at or below 80% AMI. A solar system, ERVS, and air source heat pumps will be installed to achieve the energy requirements. Cardinal Lane (Hopkinton): Habitat for Humanity Rhode Island, South County, Inc., is constructing seven single-family homes for households with incomes at or below 80% AMI. The homes will have individual solar PV arrays and air source heat pumps. The project is receiving $119,000 from the ZEOS Program.
“Zero energy homes, which are highly efficient and minimize energy expenses, offer a sustainable living solution, particularly for those in environmental justice communities,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This program is crucial in our effort to achieve the state’s emissions reduction goals, as it simultaneously provides net-zero homes and alleviates the energy burden in these communities.”
The ZEOS program is committed to providing sustainable and cost-effective housing for all Rhode Islanders. The program not only helps to reduce energy costs but also promotes healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyles. The initiative is expected to benefit low- and moderate-income families and help the state achieve its climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
