AEA Blog
Read insights, updates, and expert perspectives from AEA staff on energy efficiency, building performance, and affordable housing. Explore thought leadership, program highlights, and lessons from advancing equitable decarbonization.
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AEA Retains IREC Accreditation and adds the Multifamily QCI Course
AEA Training Team
08/18/2025
AEA Retains IREC Accreditation and adds the Multifamily QCI Course BLOG Bronx, NY, July 2025 — The Association for Energy…
David celebrates 30 years of work at AEA!
Tania Hidalgo
06/12/2023
David Hepinstall celebrates his 30th anniversary with AEA this year. He’s worked tirelessly advocating for residents of affordable…
Local Law 97 Compliance for Affordable Housing
Tania Hidalgo
02/27/2023
The City of New York has instituted laws to achieve carbon neutrality for NYC by 2050. Local Law 97 puts a carbon cap on…
Equitable Electrification
David Hepinstall
04/22/2022
On Earth Day, we affirm that the goals of beneficial electrification, energy efficiency and housing security will always be…
Weatherization Works in 2021
Kay Stewart
10/28/2021
In August 2021, the Weatherization Assistance Program celebrated its 45th birthday. In light of our current…
AEA Teaches Building Science and Energy Assessment Techniques to City Workers and Job Seekers
Kay Stewart
09/30/2021
The Association for Energy Affordability is teaming with District Council 37 to train union members and residents of environmental…
DC 37 Green Jobs Training Initiative
Kay Stewart
04/14/2021
The Association for Energy Affordability is a training partner to District Council 37 in a new, NYSERDA-funded green jobs…
HANAC Corona Senior Residence Certified as Passive House
Kay Stewart
12/15/2020
The last stretch to satisfy the stringent standards of Passive House certification was achieved through the combined efforts…
Remembering Bob Gardella
Kay Stewart
11/30/2020
Starting in 2012, Bob worked at the Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. as a senior trainer, home performance professional…
Say Their Names
David Hepinstall, Executive Director & Joseph G. Barden, Board Chair
06/04/2020
The recent tragic and unnecessary deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of law enforcement officers…
A note to our Friends, Clients and Partners about COVID-19
David Hepinstall
06/03/2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AEA’s offices have been closed since mid-March in both New York and California. Government…
Benchmarking Mid-Sized NYC Multifamily Buildings
Kay Stewart
01/15/2019
New York City has been requiring buildings to benchmark their energy and water use since Local Law 84 of 2009 went into…
AEA to Host Oct 31 NYSERDA / PSC Forum on Energy Affordability & Access to Clean Energy
Kay Steward
10/24/2018
On October 31, 2018, the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) is hosting a forum on low and moderate energy affordability…
Adam Romano Recognized for Contributions to Professional Development in Energy Efficiency Field
Kay Stewart
06/25/2018
AEA’s Director of Training and Technical Services, Adam Romano CEM, CPHC, CPHT, MFBA, has been honored by the New York City…
Need for Real Estate Professionals to Understand Energy Efficient Buildings is Greater than Ever
AEA Team
06/21/2018
Whether a real estate professional is working with a seller to prepare a home for market or helping a buyer see the benefits…
Gov. Cuomo’s New Energy Efficiency Target for New York
Valerie Strauss
04/22/2018
Just in time for Earth Day 2018, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new energy efficiency goals for New York State…
Building Science for Real Estate Professionals at AEA
AEA Team
02/15/2018
AEA’s new one-day course, Building Science for Real Estate Professionals, teaches real estate agents, appraisers, and assessors…
2018 WAP State Plan Hearings
Kay Stewart
02/02/2018
On January 31, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) held a public hearing on its 2018 State Plan for the…
A Tribute to John Eberhard
David Hepinstall
01/08/2018
I am greatly saddened to share with our friends the news of the death of John Eberhard, executive director of Delaware…
AEA Statement on 2018 Clean Energy Jobs & Climate Agenda
Valerie Strauss
01/03/2018
On Jan 3, New York Governor Cuomo released his 2018 State of the State message. At the Association for Energy Affordability…
2017 AEA Leadership Awards
David Hepinstall
12/28/2017
We are proud to announce the winners of AEA’s 2017 Leadership Awards, presented in December to members of the downstate…
Chicago Passive House Window Installation Demonstration
Kay Stewart
12/05/2017
On Tuesday afternoon, December 12, AEA’s Steve Marchese will provide a free demonstration of the techniques and materials used…
HANAC Corona Passive House ProTour Recap
Gahl Sorkin Spanier
11/06/2017
Over sixty energy efficiency enthusiasts, real estate developers, design professionals and contractors gathered on October 20th…
Making Weatherization Connections at NYC WAP Forum
Kay Stewart
11/03/2017
October 30, 2017, was Weatherization Day – a day to tell the story and acknowledge the widespread benefits of the federal…
Tour a Mid-Rise Multifamily Passive House from the Inside Out
Gahl Sorkin Spanier
09/27/2017
On October 20th, join us for a “Pro Tour” of HANAC’s Corona Senior Residence organized by NorthEast Sustainable Energy…
NYC Mayor Calls for Fossil Fuel Reduction Targets to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Valerie Strauss
09/14/2017
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a new step to limit carbon emissions from the built environment…
AEA and GRID Alternatives team up to deliver Energy Efficiency + Solar Energy to Affordable Multifamily Housing
Kay Stewart
03/21/2017
The Association for Energy Affordability and Grid Alternatives Tri-State announced the formation of the Energy Efficiency…
Thanksgiving Thoughts
David Hepinstall
11/23/2016
At Thanksgiving, we take time to recognize the individuals and organizations that make it possible for us to perform our work…
HANAC Corona Multifamily Passive House
Kay Stewart
10/30/2016
The Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. is proud to serve as energy consultant to HANAC, Inc. for its Corona Senior…
Top Ten Air Sealing Opportunities
Steve Marchese
09/07/2016
Chimneys and gas appliance vent pipes require a large clearance to combustible materials like 2×4 framing. Often, these chases are open…
Celebrating 40 Years of Weatherization
Kay Stewart
08/14/2016
The Weatherization Assistance Program was signed into law by President Gerald Ford as part of the “Energy Conservation and…
AEA’s Summer Games: Bringing Together a Community of Weatherization Champions
Kay Stewart
08/12/2016
On August 4th, downstate New York Weatherization Assistance Program subgrantees kicked off a year-long celebration…
AEA Welcomes Peter Hoyle as Chief Operating Officer
Kay Stewart
03/21/2016
Peter Hoyle, formerly Vice President of Engineering with Related Management, today joins the Association for Energy Affordability…
CSD Awards Contract to AEA to Weatherize Large Multifamily Buildings in CA
Andy Brooks
08/15/2015
The Association for Energy Affordability has been awarded the Low-Income Weatherization Program (LIWP) Contract for weatherizing…
AEA delivers Energy Management System Training for Con Edison Multifamily Customers
Kay Stewart
06/13/2015
The Association for Energy Affordability is conducting a series of classes for managers of properties that have installed Energy…
2014 Year-end Training Wrap-Up
Kay Stewart
12/19/2014
As 2014 draws to a close, AEA’s Training Department looks back on a year of growth and change and a plate full of exciting…
Multifamily Building Operator course in Irwindale begins Jan 5, helps California buildings fulfill CTCAC training requirements
Kay Stewart
12/08/2014
Registration is now open for AEA’s highly-regarded Energy Efficient Building Operations Specialist course on January 5 – 8, 2015…
“…And the Insulation is Perfect: Physics, Ecology and High Performance Enclosures” Oct 24th at AEA West
Kay Stewart
10/06/2014
AEE honors Meera Tandon for work at AEA
Kay Stewart
10/05/2014
Congratulations to Meera Tandon, one of three 2014 recipients of the Association of Energy Engineers’ International Young Energy…
National Weatherization Award presented to David Hepinstall at NASCSP Annual Training Conference
Kay Stewart
09/19/2014
For the second time this year, AEA’s executive director, David Hepinstall, has been awarded a major national award for his leadership…
AEA, MacDougal Street Apartments Host NYSERDA Building Celebration
Kay Stewart
09/08/2014
A diverse group of multifamily building owners, contractors, architects, energy professionals, State and City officials, neighbors…
David Hepinstall receives 2014 ACI Leadership Award in Detroit
Anna Sullivan
05/01/2014
The 2014 ACI Leadership Award was presented to David Hepinstall, executive director of the Association for Energy Affordability…
AEA becomes EPA WaterSense Partner
Kay Stewart
04/24/2014
“WaterSense” is the catch phrase coined by the US Environmental Protection Agency to describe the commonsense benefits of taking…
John Tooley to speak at AEA on Increasing Performance Excellence
Kay Stewart
02/19/2014
New York State has set aggressive goals for building performance and AEA, with support from NYSERDA and its training partners…
True Colors Named NYC Supportive Housing Residence of the Year
Kay Stewart
10/17/2013
True Colors has been honored as the 2013 NYC Residence of the Year by the Supportive Housing Network of New York…
AEA staff to present on Multifamily Specification Development in Oakland on July 10, part of workshop series hosted by Build It Green
Kay Stewart
07/03/2013
John Neal and Andre Duurvoort of the Association for Energy Affordability’s West Coast office will deliver a workshop for…
Access to EPA Portfolio Manager Online Benchmarking Tool to Close from June 26-July 9 for Upgrades
Kay Stewart
06/17/2013
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a major upgrade to its Portfolio Manager online benchmarking tool…
Association of Energy Engineers | NY Chapter recognizes AEA Engineer
David Hepinstall
06/10/2013
I am proud to announce the selection of Meera Lita Tandon as Young Energy Professional of the Year by the New York Chapter…
Pathways Out of Poverty Workforce Program Wins High Praise from Participants
Kay Stewart
06/09/2013
Results of a survey of jobseekers show strong appreciation of the workforce training and job-related services offered by CWE
IREM NY Industry Partners Recognized at Member Meeting
Kay Stewart
06/05/2013
At the May meeting of the Greater NY Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management, Industry Partners of the IREM-NY…
IREC accredits AEA Energy Auditor courses
Kay Stewart
05/01/2013
The Association for Energy Affordability’s Residential Energy Auditor Training program was accredited in April by the…
See you in Denver! 2013 ACI National Home Performance Conference — April 30-May 3, 2013
Taina Palombo-Price
04/10/2013
AEA will be well represented at the 2013 ACI National Home Performance Conference taking place in Denver, April 30th -May 3rd…
Bruckner Boulevard’s Port Morris Merchants Gather To Promote Business Development in the District
Damaris Mone
12/20/2012
On December 12th, the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) attended a meeting of local merchants and business owners…
New Concern for Independent Living residence in Crown Heights is latest product of ongoing collaboration with AEA
Damaris Mone
12/06/2012
Brooklyn’s nonprofit, Concern for Independent Living, held a ribbon-cutting event on September 28, 2012, for Concern Heights…
Opportunity for Weatherization Staff to take Free Home Energy Professional Certification Exams at AEA to Expire December 14th
Megan Douglas
12/06/2012
AEA is offering pilot exams for the new Home Energy Professional certifications, offered by the Building Performance Institute…
Passionate About Passive House: Boone Avenue briefing features multifamily and commercial projects, dedication of training facility
Kay Stewart
11/21/2012
On November 15th, the Association for Energy Affordability (AEA) hosted an event that combined technical presentations…
Post Sandy Recovery Guidance from AEA
Patrick Brennan
11/10/2012
Safety – we urge everyone to use caution in all aspects of recovery efforts; the situation can have many hazards – exposure to mold…
Timely Warnings from BPI re: Health and Safety Hazards from Generators, Moisture Damage
David Hepinstall
11/02/2012
In a release posted today, In Sandy’s Wake, Lend a Hand on the Building Performance Institute website, BPI Executive…
Sandy, Health and Safety
Jame Land
11/01/2012
he impacts of Hurricane/Post Tropical Cyclone Sandy will be felt in our area in many ways over a long period of time. Those who…
AEA Projects Highlighted during SoBronx Celebration Week 2012
Kay Stewart
10/18/2012
The first week of October was SoBronx Celebration Week, organized by the South Bronx Overall Economic Development…
AEA West Guides Multifamily Projects Toward GreenPoint Rating Certification
Kay Stewart
08/09/2012
AEA, a Certified GreenPoint Rater for new and existing multifamily buildings in California, is currently rating five existing…
Savings and Kudos Flow from Weatherization at Westbeth
Kay Stewart
07/06/2012
Westbeth Artists Housing, a complex of affordable housing, work and performance spaces for artists that occupies a full city…
Passive House Primer Course at AEA
AEA Team
07/25/2012
A half-day Passive House Primer course was conducted by Tomás O’Leary at AEA’s Energy Management Training Center…
T-12 Lamp Manufacturing Phase-out Update
Kay Stewart
07/05/2012
As of July 1, 2012, many conventional T-12 fluorescent lamps are being phased out of production. This means that supplies of these…
Building Brooklyn awards for two AEA MPP projects
Kay Stewart
06/28/2012
The Association for Energy Affordability, Inc. is pleased to report that two residential apartment buildings for which AEA…
Via Verde: The Green Way to Affordable Housing for the Bronx
Megan Douglas
06/23/2012
Via Verde, a new multifamily development in the South Bronx, takes a groundbreaking approach to affordable housing and sustainability…
White House Supply Chain Event Shows Weatherization Impact
Kay Stewart
06/20/2012
On June 15th, the White House, working with the National Association for State Community Services Programs and…
DOE Standard Work Specifications for Multifamily Energy Upgrades
Megan Douglas
06/12/2012
This post has been updated to reflect the finalization and issuance of the Standard Work Specifications for Multifamily…
Grand Opening at CIL’s MacDougal Street Apartments
Kay Stewart
06/10/2012
The Association for Energy Affordability was proud to attend the June 1st grand opening event at the MacDougal Street Apartments…
DOE Standard Work Specifications for Multifamily Energy Upgrades now available for review and comment
Kay Stewart
03/14/2012
The Energy Department invites manufacturers of energy-efficient products, public housing authorities, industry stakeholders involved…
AEA’s Green Roof and Solar Installations
Megan Douglas
12/15/2011
In October of 2011 the Association for Energy Affordability completed construction on a series of projects on the roof of our Bronx…