Climate-friendly, Affordable Housing Efforts are Underway

Many individuals globally are finding innovative ways to address climate change. Whether it is a personal effort like reducing plastic waste or a company effort like prioritizing carpooling to work, people are taking climate action in everyday life. For three Vermont companies, in particular, combating negative emissions is at the forefront of their missions. Together, this partnership hopes to usher in a modern approach for other companies, showing that lowering emissions can lead to success.

The three-way alliance was announced earlier this year. Individually, each company has its own purpose: Vermont Gas (VGS) is an integrated energy and natural gas distribution utility company; the Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is an organization based around a community land trust and non-profit work, as well as managing and developing affordable housing; and Evernorth is a non-profit organization based in the Northwest United States that focuses on community development through financing and building affordable housing. While CHT and Evernorth have partnered on affordable housing projects before, this new consortium marks the first time these three companies have collaborated.

With that, the question remains: What are they doing together? On Vermont Gas Services' website, the partnership’s priority is simple: “to bring high efficiency, renewable geothermal energy to the occupants of a new permanently affordable housing development slated for construction in Hinesburg.” In simpler terms, they will create budget-friendly housing that equally benefits the environment and the customer.

Currently, in Hinesburg, Vermont, an up-and-coming development project called Riggs Meadows is being planned. For the co-developers, this property allows them to install geothermal systems in 36 of 44 homes. At their core, geothermal systems can be the most efficient ways to regulate home temperature. According to Dandelion Energy, geothermal systems work this way: “The function of a ground loop system is to absorb heat energy (BTUs) from the earth so that it can be transferred to a heat pump and efficiently converted into warmth for your home.” This process uses temperature changes around the building, which may be more effective than standard heat regulation.

Additionally, as stated, these companies prioritize not only climate action but also affordability. Geothermal energy lowers home costs substantially over time because it is a long-term, 50- to 100-year system that does not require fuel expenses or frequent maintenance. A similar development reported by the U.S. Department of Energy in New York succeeded with its geothermal installations, saying, “In the first year post construction [of geothermal systems], CLHA realized 40.7% in total site annual energy savings.” Statistics like these encourage the alliance to continue its efforts, as it believes balancing affordability and climate action is of the utmost importance.

Changes to address climate change are necessary. With more frequent data on humanity’s negative effects, society can no longer sit passively; action must occur now. Making climate-friendly changes can be a difficult endeavour; however, small steps foster big results, so why not take them?