NYC's Weatherization Assistance Program

Real estate investment firm Castellan Real Estate Partners leveraged opportunities presented by the 2009 financial crisis to built up an extensive real estate portfolio. Today, the company collaborates with New York City agencies to manage and implement building improvements that reduce net energy consumption and utility costs. Recently, Castellan Real Estate Partners received a $1.7 million grant from the New York State Weatherization Assistance Program to subsidize their efforts.

The New York State Weatherization Assistance Program simultaneously tackles the common urban issues of excessive energy consumption and unaffordable utility costs. WAP identifies and helps low-income families whose homes may benefit from energy-saving measures, such as heating system replacements, roof insulation, and energy efficient upgrades. 

The Weatherization Assistance Program demonstrates the economic benefits of green initiatives, as the program produces hundreds of jobs in the green energy sector. WAP works in collaboration with nonprofits, affordable housing developers, and property managers. First established in 1977, the program has benefited the occupants of over 700,000 homes, who save an average of 20 percent on their utility bills. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo pledged 59 million dollars to the program in 2017.