The guidebook introduces a process and principles that local governments and their partners can use to design equitable clean energy programs in their communities. Supported by the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) Innovation Fund, the project’s intent was to develop actionable resources for local governments and partners to use to advance social equity in clean energy program design and implementation in their communities.
When equity is approached intentionally, municipalities and their partners can create programs that prioritize making clean energy technologies accessible and beneficial to low- and moderate-income households, communities of color, and indigenous communities. Supported by the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) Innovation Fund, this guidebook is the result of the “Equity in Energy Transformation and Innovation” project. The project also produced an inventory of best practice programs and four in-depth case studies. Seven core USDN cities from the U.S. and Canada were involved throughout the project, as well as an Equity Advisory Committee, composed of eight representatives whose work or lived experiences could ground the research. The guidebook is also freely available from the Cadmus website.
The guidebook references and builds on two CEKAP-related research products – Placing ‘Community’ in Community Energy Planning and Review of Renewable Energy Investments in Social and Affordable Housing.
Full Disclosure: CEKAP affiliated graduate student Abhilash Kantamneni provided input to the guidebook.