The Manhattan Regional Assessment and Barriers Analysis (RABA) examines the conditions that present both key challenges and opportunities to expanding access to clean energy in disadvantaged communities (DACs) in the borough of Manhattan. The Manhattan RABA is an in-depth examination of the obstacles preventing low- and moderate-income (LMI) borough residents and disadvantaged communities from benefiting fully from the green energy transition. The RABA report identifies systemic barriers that hinder access to green home energy upgrades, energy efficiency programs, and clean energy job opportunities for these communities. Through public engagement, data analysis, and insights from Hub member organizations Pratt Center has identified key findings that point to where barriers exist in resident’s access and where potential opportunities exist for reducing barriers and increasing uptake and participation in the clean energy economy.
This report was developed with funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as part of its Regional Clean Energy Hubs initiative, in partnership with the Manhattan Clean Energy Hub (manhattancleanenergyhub.org) and its member organizations: WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development, Kinetic Communities Consulting, USL Technology, and Green City Force.
Key findings include:
- Program design and resources are misaligned with need: Clean energy programs are complex, with inadequate resources and restrictive and exclusionary eligibility requirements. Insufficient financial incentives for LMI homeowners and tenants, especially given high costs of retrofits in an aging building stock and high energy burdens, remain a key barrier to program participation.
- Accessibility of programs and outreach: Across clean energy upgrade and green jobs programs, language and internet access present barriers for LMI homeowners and tenants of color to engage in programs. Lack of credible messengers is also a barrier.
To learn more, access our report.
