Date: October 31 2024
***PRESS RELEASE***
SAN FRANCISCO’S NEW CLIMATE EQUITY HUB DELIVERS!
Since its launch, The Climate Equity Hub has significantly enhanced community sustainability and energy efficiency efforts by providing full-service Heat Pump Water Heater installations at no cost to income-qualifying residents.
San Francisco, CA – Today, The San Francisco Environment Department announced significant progress by San Francisco’s Climate Equity Hub, which has provided no-cost residential energy upgrades and expanded green workforce development in underserved communities. Specifically, the Hub’s inaugural Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) Direct Install Program has completed ten installations, has 22 units prepared for new HPWH installations and is on track to transition 50 more households in 2025.
The Climate Equity Hub was created through a partnership of community-based organizations and the San Francisco Environment Department. The Hub helps qualified residents in San Francisco navigate electrification incentive programs, connect with trusted contractors, and install appliances that eliminate greenhouse gas emissions- a one-stop-shop for home electrification.
“San Francisco is leading the way in climate action by ensuring that no community is left behind in our transition to clean energy,” said Mayor London Breed. “The Climate Equity Hub is a powerful example of how we can create meaningful change through partnership and innovation, providing immediate relief to residents while strengthening our workforce for a greener future.”
The Climate Equity Hub is a key part of San Francisco’s bold Climate Action Plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. This transition to clean electricity is essential for improving the City’s climate, health, and resiliency, while ensuring that low-and-middle-income renters and owners are protected. The plan also supports affordable housing, creates job opportunities, and provides training for local workers- all developed through extensive public engagement. Click here to read the Plan.
“I am excited to see our shared vision for greenhouse gas reductions and equitable climate action realized through the successful launch of our community-driven Climate Equity Hub,” said District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. “The Hub is a great example of how government can facilitate successful climate action by listening to community and committing funds to get projects off the ground. The challenge ahead is to find the ongoing resources needed to make sure every San Franciscan who qualifies can access The Hub’s offerings.”
Preparing for the Future
The Hub’s inaugural program focuses on Heat Pump Water Heaters because they are 3-5 times more efficient than traditional gas water heaters, have a lower risk of fire and/or explosion, and reduce air pollution. Direct installation has proven to be a speedy, hassle free process for qualified residents. Assisting both renters and homeowners, the hub has already made meaningful impact in the lives of residents in just a few short months of operation.
“Switching from a gas water heater to a new electric heat pump water heater has been a significant step toward a healthier home environment, especially as we learned about the hidden health impacts of gas emissions,” said Teresa Dulalas, a recent program participant. “It’s reassuring to know that tenants are supported and that our journey toward a cleaner, safer home has been community driven. We’re thankful for the education, resources, and the sense of security this collaboration has provided, and we’re excited to explore more programs that benefit our health and environment in the future.”
“After months without hot water and struggling to cover the costs of a broken gas water heater that flooded my home, I found the Climate Equity Hub’s program online,” said Jolie Goorjian, a recent program participant. “Within days of filling out the forms, they had a new, efficient electric water heater installed for me at no cost. The whole process was seamless, and the team was incredible, they made everything easy to understand and took care of everything. I couldn’t believe how quickly I was able to move back into my home.”
San Francisco’s Climate Equity Hub will also provide essential support for the transition required by regional regulations and proposed state laws. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District recently approved new regulations to phase out and ultimately ban the sale and installation of gas-powered water heaters and furnaces.
“I am thrilled to see this project come to life,” said Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department. “The only way we can be successful in achieving citywide net zero emissions by 2040 is with the full participation of all our residents. The Hub makes that participation possible — particularly for those in our City who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Hub is more than a program, it’s an important tool that empowers communities to take meaningful action towards a greener and healthier future.”
The advisors and contractors participating in the inaugural program are part of The Hub’s broader effort to strengthen and expand the local decarbonization workforce to ensure it can meet the needs of the City’s transition. Hub advisor, Emerald Cities Collaborative’s E-Contractor Academy trains electrification specialists from equity communities, and at least half of the HPWH installation projects are given to contractors from these communities.
“I am proud to participate in a program that supports residents and local businesses,” said David Guan of DMG Construction. “I appreciate the spirit of collaboration and support from the San Francisco Environment Department.”
Driving San Francisco’s Path to Net Zero Carbon Emissions
The Climate Equity Hub is one among several solutions — including the all-electric new construction ordinance, and the development of Building Performance Standards, for which the City recently received a $14 million award from the Department of Energy. These efforts are carving out pathways for buildings – both large and small, commercial and residential – to transition to electric, ensuring no communities are left behind.
San Francisco continues to make strides towards Mayor Breed’s bold emissions reduction goals. Since 1990, the City’s overall emissions are down 48% and per capita emissions are down 53% below 1990 levels, despite the city experiencing a population growth of 12% within that same time.
For more information on the Climate Equity Hub and how income-qualifying residents can secure up to $10,785 in rebate funding for a heat pump water heater, please visit the website here.
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Contact: Joseph Piasecki - [email protected]