Leveraging Catalytic Capital for Small Building Decarbonization in Boston

In a time of changing climate and increasing heat, managing carbon emissions for homes and other small residential buildings can play a critical role in helping Boston become more energy efficient, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and become more climate resilient. Leveraging Catalytic Capital for Small Building Decarbonization in Boston was produced in partnership with the Building Electrification Institute, an organization that provides research strategy to help cities and partners design and implement equitable solutions for decarbonizing buildings that can scale; and Firefly Energy Consulting, which provides strategy and policy consulting services to cities, states and non-profits to advance their clean energy goals.

The report explores how philanthropy can provide “catalytic capital,” using impact investments and other vehicles to supplement local, state, and federal funding to reduce carbon emissions in low- and moderate-income areas. Researchers highlight two opportunities: expanding the state’s Energy Saver Home Loan Program to key building segments, including a focus on 2-4 unit homes, through the existing Massachusetts Community Climate Bank, and establishing a dedicated fund to enable affordable housing owners to reduce the carbon footprint of units when they are being acquired or renovated.