Energy Efficiency First

Manages and administers incentive programs such as NYSERDA’s Multifamily Performance Program, the SOMAH program, MCE Multifamily Program, and SMUD Multifamily Program to provide financial incentives for energy efficiency, electrification, solar PV installations, and health improvements in multifamily affordable housing.

Performs Integrated Physical Needs Assessments (IPNAs), capital needs assessments, and energy audits to identify energy, health, and capital improvement opportunities in multifamily and public housing. Provides technical services and project oversight to support building performance and affordability preservation in New York City and state.

Performs energy audits and installs weatherization measures in low-income homes and buildings in New York, using both in-house crews and contracted contractors, with quality control and oversight. Completed 1,670 audits between 2007 and 2020 and served 322 units in 2023.

Provides no-cost energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization upgrades—including heat pump water heaters, HVAC systems, induction cooktops, and electrical panel upgrades—to income-qualified households in New York and Northern California. Serves both single-family and multifamily buildings, with a focus on health, safety, and affordability.

Provides training, mentoring, and consulting to weatherization subgrantees, building operators, and maintenance staff through programs like FlexTech, Green Workforce Pathways, and Building Operations and Maintenance Training, under contract with NYSERDA and the State of New York.

Operates programs such as the Comprehensive Affordable Multifamily Retrofits (CAMR), WaterSaver, and SV Clean Energy to deliver energy efficiency, water conservation, and health improvements in multifamily affordable housing across New York and California.

Runs the Bronx and Brooklyn Energy Hub and participates in the New York Healthy Homes Collaborative and the Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD) to advance energy affordability, healthy homes, and low-emission building practices in urban communities.

Offers cost-sharing and technical assistance through the Flexible Technical Assistance Program (FlexTech) to support planning studies for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and decarbonization measures in eligible properties.

Offers technical support and performance incentives to developers of multifamily new construction projects that meet high energy efficiency standards, including support for Enterprise Green Communities certifications and compliance with ASHRAE 90.1.

Manages and implements decarbonization initiatives including the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program in Northern California and the NYS Clean Heat program, coordinating enrollment, assessments, and installations of cold-climate heat pumps and other electrification measures.

Provides online and on-demand continuing education courses for architects, including topics such as climate resilience in design and economic insights, enabling members to earn required continuing education credits. Offers access to recorded sessions originally delivered in 2026.

Funds the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship to help offset the costs associated with taking the Architect Registration Exam for licensure candidates.

Offers a health insurance plan exclusively for association members, their employees, and dependents, featuring affordable premiums, long-term rate stability, and a $7,350 deductible plan with an integrated pharmacy discount card that counts toward the annual deductible. Requires at least two eligible employees for enrollment.

Organizes the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2027 in Philadelphia and previously connected hundreds of exhibiting companies with thousands of architects and specifiers at AIA26, facilitating professional engagement and industry innovation.

Works with local leaders, government officials, and the public to improve the built environment and advance equity in housing and residential design through education, research, awards, and policy engagement. Promotes shared values of Community, Knowledge, and Advocacy to elevate architectural practice.

Advances the theory and practice of architecture through research, publication of reports, development of recommended practices, and maintenance of ethical and technical standards. Supports professional development of architects and students and collaborates with other architectural organizations and government agencies.

Provides scholarship application materials to support high school and college students pursuing education in architecture or related fields.

Provides comprehensive support for architects pursuing licensure through the ArchiPrep program, including opportunities to earn up to 20 AXP experience hours via HSW-focused continuing education, free Associate AIA membership for recent graduates, access to volunteer Architect Licensing Advisors in each state, and peer networks with group study and discounted test prep resources.