The fight against climate change requires a collective effort, and ensuring equitable access to clean energy solutions is essential. At Montgomery County Green Bank, we are proud to champion this effort by focusing on deploying resources and projects in the areas most in need of clean energy solutions.

This blog explores the importance of developing clean energy solutions in Equity Emphasis and Equity Focus Areas and how the Green Bank is making a significant impact in these regions.

Defining Equity Emphasis Areas in Montgomery County

Before addressing the challenges and solutions, it’s important to define Equity Emphasis Areas. These are geographic regions that have been classified based on various socioeconomic and demographic criteria, identified through detailed mapping and analysis. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments provides an interactive map highlighting these areas, which can be viewed here.

Equity Emphasis Areas are characterized by communities with higher percentages of low- and moderate-income households, minority populations, and residents facing barriers such as language proficiency.

Energy Tax Funding Requirement

In Montgomery County, the Energy Tax Funding comes with a mandate for the Green Bank to dedicate 20% of our funding from the energy tax to Equity Emphasis Areas. This requirement is detailed in the county’s council documentation, available here.

Transition to Equity Focus Areas

Since the enactment of laws requiring us to allocate 20% or more of our resources to Equity Emphasis Areas, Montgomery County has adopted the term Equity Focus Areas. Equity Focus Areas include additional criteria to ensure a more comprehensive approach to addressing equity in clean energy deployment. This transition ensures that federal funding guidelines and local initiatives align more effectively, maximizing the impact of clean energy investments.

The Need for Equitable Energy Solutions

Equity Focus Areas often face disproportionate energy burdens and climate impacts. Historically, these communities have been overlooked for clean energy solutions, exacerbating existing inequities.

Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan emphasizes equity as a core principle. The plan outlines strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience while ensuring that all communities, especially those in Equity Focus Areas, benefit from these efforts.

The Montgomery County Green Bank’s Mission and Vision

At the Green Bank, we align with the county’s Climate Action Plan, reinforcing our mission to provide equitable access to clean energy solutions. By focusing on Equity Focus Areas, we ensure that low- and moderate-income communities benefit from clean energy, including lower energy costs, improved air quality, and enhanced climate resilience.

Significant Green Bank Projects in Equity Emphasis Areas

We are proud to share that we have made significant strides in investing in clean energy projects within Equity Emphasis Areas. Here are some of our notable projects:

Seneca Village Apartments

We provided tailored financing for rooftop solar installations and energy-efficient roof replacements at Seneca Village Apartments. Read more about this project here. We invested $5 million in this project, along with Virginia Community Capital, NYCEEC and Inclusive Prosperity Capital.

Hampshire Towers

At an investment of $4.5 million, this project marked the first privately-owned resilience hub and electrification project, enhancing energy efficiency and resilience at Hampshire Towers Apartments. Read more about this project here.

Takoma Overlook Condominiums

By investing $837,000 in partnership with Sandy Spring Bank for this project, we facilitated the installation of clean energy solutions at Takoma Overlook Condominiums, highlighting a commitment to improving energy efficiency in residential buildings. Read more about this project here.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

With our support, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church installed a 66.6kW rooftop solar PV system, highlighting our dedication to promoting renewable energy across various sectors. Read more about this project here. We invested $109,200 in this project.

Our Commitment to a Sustainable and Equitable Future

At the Montgomery County Green Bank, we strive to provide clean energy solutions to all communities, particularly those in Equity Focus Areas. By aligning with federal initiatives like J40 and focusing on Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan, we ensure that the benefits of clean energy reach every corner of Montgomery County, promoting a more just, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

To learn more about implementing energy-efficient solutions in your community, email us at info@mcgreenbank.org.