Whether driven by new data on the severity of climate change, a growing ESG movement, or regulatory requirements to meet energy reduction targets, utilities nationwide are seeking proven program approaches to help them meet their goals. At the same time, inflationary pressures and low housing stock have underscored the critical need for affordable housing across the country.
Over the past five years, VEIC, the clean energy nonprofit I lead, has developed a way to meet both goals through Zero Energy Modular, or ZEM, homes. We’ve proven this model in four states, showing that this approach can transform low-income housing, make progress toward climate goals, and spur economic development — if partners work collaboratively to achieve economies of scale.
