Sustain Dane: Middleton Building Energy Efficiency Upgrade Funding Funding Now Open for Applications

PRESS RELEASE | March 3, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Valora Gutierrez | Navigator & Outreach Specialist
lorenza@sustaindane.org | (608) 285-2454

MIDDLETON BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADE FUNDING NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Sustain Dane is now accepting applications for the Efficiency Navigator program to help affordable rental housing in Middleton become more energy efficient and resilient, while reducing operating costs and utility bills for residents.

Dane County, WI – Working closely with the City of Middleton, the Efficiency Navigator program helps small apartment housing become more energy efficient, while reducing operating costs for owners and utility bills for residents.

Selected buildings are eligible to receive funding for energy efficiency upgrades such as improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, improved insulation, air sealing, water softener optimization, tune-ups or replacement, and recommendations to improve home health (e.g. asthma triggers).

“Reducing monthly expenses for utility costs can help keep rental units affordable and reduce the expense for residents” said Sustain Dane Executive Director Claire Oleksiak. “Plus, energy efficiency upgrades can lead to more comfortable and healthy homes to live in.”

Eligibility

2-8 units, renter-occupied
Unsubsidized (buildings with Section 8 voucher holders are eligible for the program)
Address in Middleton
Tenants pay for gas and electric utilities
Properties are current on property tax payments
Property owner commits to maintaining affordable rent at HUD Fair Market Rent Value for at least 5 years post-implementation

We strongly encourage applications for buildings where utility bills are a challenge for residents, and for those that house children, seniors, or otherwise vulnerable populations.

Program Highlights

Grant funding for recommended energy improvements
Team member walks you through each step to completion
Contractor selection and scheduling
Sustain Dane pays contractors directly for eligible measures
Reduce tenant turnover with lower energy bills and more comfortable units

A past participating owner attests “We are so appreciative and impressed with the quality and speed of the work. When we went into the units, we could tell how much warmer it was and how much tighter the airflow felt in there. It sounds like the tenants also had a great experience, so we are super grateful for that as well.”

Apply – Learn more, recommend your building as a resident, or apply as a property owner at www.SustainDane.org. Rolling application review starts March 1, 2023. Apply now.

About Sustain Dane Is a local non-profit with the vision for a thriving and inclusive community with a sustainable environment and economy we are proud to pass on to future generations. For over 20 years, Sustain Dane has worked to inspire, connect, and support people to accelerate equity and sustainable actions for community wellbeing.

Partners – This opportunity is made possible in partnership with the City of Middleton, Elevate, the Middleton Senior Center and the Middleton Outreach Ministry. Additional funding from our public health partners, Healthy Babies Bright Futures and the Mayor’s Innovation Project.

ABOUT SUSTAIN DANE:
Sustain Dane’s vision is a thriving and connected community with a sustainable environment and economy we are proud to pass on to future generations. Our mission is to inspire, connect, and support people to accelerate sustainable actions for community wellbeing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
www.sustaindane.org
hello@sustaindane.org
(608) 285 – 2454
P.O. Box 144, Madison, WI 53701