Empowering Senior Living Through Energy Efficiency & Solar Retrofits

The St. Mary’s Gardens complex in Oakland, California, is leading the charge in implementing sustainable upgrades directly benefiting its residents, predominantly senior, immigrant, and Chinese-speaking community. In 2020, board members of the St. Mary’s Elderly Housing Corporation set out to integrate a solar photovoltaic (PV) system, energy-efficient upgrades, and resident engagement plan, all designed to prioritize the seniors’ comfort and well-being through participation in the Low- Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) and various decarbonization programs.

St. Mary’s Gardens, built in 1979 as a HUD Section 8 housing development for low-income seniors, faced infrastructure issues over time. Recent HUD-funded
renovations included upgraded windows, doors, elevators, and improved bathrooms and kitchens. These upgrades led the Board to seek further funding for targeted improvements to reduce energy costs and enhance benefits for residents.

St. Mary’s Gardens was referred to LIWP as part of its participation in the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) Program. Similarly, LIWP refers
projects in investor-owned utility service territories to SOMAH for solar incentives. With SOMAH’s no-cost technical assistance and comprehensive support, board members navigated project feasibility and financing options and identified additional energy efficiency opportunities. As typical, participation in one program in this case SOMAH spurred deep energy efficiency upgrades through enrollment in LIWP, the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) program, and the TECH program.

By layering LIWP with other programs and the no-cost technical assistance provided by AEA, St. Mary’s Gardens was able to replace outdated equipment with more efficient options, including removing natural gas equipment. This increased building safety, improved indoor air quality, and enhanced resident comfort but also ensured long-term financial sustainability for the community, providing a sense of security for all stakeholders.