BSA/AIA, AIANY, and AIA|LA Report & Call to Action on Affordable & Sustainable Housing

Part of "Penciling Out: Financing Solutions for Affordable & Climate Forward Housing" Webinar Series

BOSTON, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA/AIA), the American Institute of Architects New York (AIANY), and AIA Los Angeles (AIA|LA) are excited to share their final published report, "Penciling Out: Outcomes & Ideas", to wrap up their webinar series, "Penciling Out: Financing Solutions for Affordable & Climate Forward Housing". This webinar series explored practical, innovative strategies to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and housing affordability. In high-cost, policy-driven regions within Massachusetts, New York, and California, professionals face growing difficulty in making energy-efficient and affordable housing projects financially viable. Sponsored by Sustainability Investment Group (SIG), the series highlights current financing opportunities and aims to dispel the myth that such projects cannot succeed by offering actionable insights for navigating today's complex regulatory and financial landscape.

"We are grateful for the partnership with BSA, AIA NY and AIA LA on the Penciling Out webinar series. The ability of designers to advance low carbon development, especially in affordable housing, is greatly enhanced with an understanding of the financial push and pull factors and available strategies to overcome challenges. Sustainable design can unlock many powerful incentives for affordable housing and helping designers get comfortable with the tools and terms is something we love to do!" - Monte Hillman, Vice President, Environmental Resiliency, Compliance & Investment, SIG

The final report urges continued advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration to drive sustainable, inclusive development nationwide. It compiles key frameworks, tested capital stack models, and region-specific strategies that challenge the notion that high-performance, affordable housing is too costly or complex to realize.

"We knew that if we are serious about addressing the housing and climate crises, we had to get everyone in the same room, from utilities and housing finance to architects, developers, and community organizations. This collaboration was not only about sharing information, but also about building alignment, accelerating solutions, and making it clear that affordable, all-electric housing is not only possible, it's already happening. The work showcased here proves that when public policy, financing tools, and design leadership come together, we can reimagine what's achievable for our communities," said Miranda D'Oleo, Program Manager of Policy & Advocacy, Boston Society for Architecture

In Massachusetts, the report highlights a strong alignment between state programs and design-led advocacy. In 2024, the BSA launched two platforms, focused on climate and housing, to mobilize the design community in achieving state housing goals. These efforts complement the Mass Save program, which as of 2025 requires all new participating buildings to be all-electric. Incentives include up to $40,000 per unit for Passive House construction, $9,000 per unit for ground-source systems, and support for retrofits, electrified additions, and multifamily feasibility studies.

At the state level, MassHousing administers the $50 million Massachusetts Community Climate Bank and the Energy Saver Home Loan, along with grant programs like Climate Ready Housing and the Affordable Housing Decarbonization Grant Program, which build developer capacity—especially among smaller community development corporations.

Federal programs continue to play a vital role. Incentives such as the Investment Tax Credit (30–50% for clean energy systems), the 179D deduction (up to $5.65/sq ft for energy upgrades, assignable to design teams), and the 45L Credit for energy-efficient multifamily housing help make climate-forward housing financially viable.

A local standout case study featured in the report is The Kenzi, Boston's first fully electrified affordable multifamily building. Developed by Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) and DREAM Collaborative, the 50-unit Roxbury project meets Passive House-level airtightness and includes ERVs, VRF systems, semi-decentralized hot water, and a 70 kWh battery backup funded by MassCEC. Its use of Glavel, an aerated glass aggregate, demonstrates how innovative materials can contribute to low-carbon, resilient design.

"In a moment when our cities face shared challenges to the vital task of building housing, specifically green affordable housing, joining forces with other local AIA chapters tackling similar issues head on is critical. AIA New York has been thrilled to partner with BSA and AIA Los Angeles on the Penciling Out Series to share information on regional financial tools, lessons learned, and issues on the agenda," said Jesse Lazar, Executive Director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. "Design professionals play a unique role in advocating for green affordable housing, serving as essential resources and valued experts unpacking complicated technical requirements to identify innovative and realistic policy solutions."

"The 'Penciling Out' series demonstrates how local chapters are vital in tackling the nation's housing affordability crisis. By sharing cutting-edge financing strategies, best practices, and practical insights, they empower industry professionals," said Will Wright - Director, Government & Public Affairs, AIA Los Angeles. "This collective effort informs, inspires, and connects stakeholders to make green, decarbonized, and affordable housing a feasible reality, driving sustainable solutions in complex urban environments."

"While this series may be complete, the work ahead remains critical and ongoing. Tackling the housing and climate crises will require sustained collaboration and creativity across every sector, from design and development to finance, policy, and community leadership," said Wandy Pascoal, Program Manager of Housing Innovation & Awards, Boston Society for Architecture. At the BSA, we are committed to fostering the partnerships and imagination needed to break down silos and build the climate-forward, affordable, and beautiful homes that communities need now and for generations to come."

By aligning design, policy, and finance, Penciling Out demonstrates that high-performance, affordable housing is not only possible, but it's already taking shape. The full report, Penciling Out: Outcomes & Ideas, offers a roadmap for communities nationwide to replicate this momentum.

Read the Report: 

Penciling Out: Outcomes & Ideas

For more information on the Penciling Out series, please visit: Boston Society for Architecture | Penciling Out

To explore innovative strategies at the intersection of housing design, financing, policy, and more, join the BSA's Housing Symposium this November. Details coming soon at architects.org/programs/housing.

About the Hosts
BSA/AIA | The Boston Society for Architecture is a nonprofit, professional association that connects designers and communities to shape a more equitable and sustainable Boston.
AIANY | A chapter of the American Institute of Architects, AIA New York supports architecture and design excellence, advocacy, and professional development.
AIA|LA | AIA Los Angeles advances the value of architecture and supports its members through advocacy, education, and engagement.

About the Sponsors
SIG | Sustainable Investment Group, LLC (SIG) is a full-service sustainability consulting firm that provides environmentally focused solutions to design, construction, real estate, and building operations professionals to support a high level of performance, value, and quality in the built environment.
AIA National | Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state, and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well-being.

SOURCE Boston Society for Architecture