RESIDENTIAL

Climate Smart Homes

Supporting the development of high-performance, energy-efficient, affordable homes across Delaware.

Climate Smart Homes is an Energize Delaware program administered by the team of high-performance housing experts at New Ecology. The program supports affordable housing developers in delivering all-electric homes that are healthier, more energy efficient, climate resilient, and affordable to operate.

We work alongside developers from early design through construction, providing practical, hands-on support to translate high-performance strategies into real-world projects across Delaware.

The program focuses on small-scale residential buildings, such as single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes, and supports both new construction and rehabilitation projects.

How It Comes Together

Financial Incentives

Per-unit funding helps close the gap between standard construction and high-performance housing.

 

Technical
Support

Guidance from early design through construction helps ensure successful implementation.

 

Integrated Delivery

Aligns design, construction, and certification to deliver durable, high-performing homes, incorporating established third-party standards such as ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, and DOE’s Efficient New Homes Program.

Who It Serves

  • Affordable housing developers delivering projects in Delaware, including new construction and gut rehabilitation.
  • Projects serving households at or below 80 percent of area median income for rental housing or 120 percent for homeownership.
  • Small-scale residential buildings such as single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes.

What This Means for Properties and Residents

Affordability
Homes are designed to use significantly less energy than standard construction, typically reducing energy use by 30–40% compared to code-built homes, helping lower utility costs and support more stable housing outcomes.

Health and Comfort
Cleaner indoor air, improved resident comfort, and reduced exposure to moisture and pollutants.

Community Stability
Supports homeownership, reduces displacement pressure, and strengthens local capacity.

Climate Resilience
Homes are designed to maintain safe, comfortable indoor temperatures during extreme heat and cold, even during power outages.

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Available Incentives

Supported Measures

  • Continuous exterior insulation
  • Better performing windows, U = 0.25 or lower
  • Air sealing to 1.5 ACH50 or lower
  • High-efficiency heat pumps for heating and cooling
  • Heat pump water heater
  • Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (ERV)

Funding

  • $17,000 per unit for new construction
  • $26,250 per unit for full renovations
  • Coupled with no-cost technical assistance and HERS rater services

Let’s Discuss Your Project

Have a project in mind? New construction or rehabilitation?

It’s never too early to start a conversation. We’ll help you explore eligibility, feasibility, and identify the best path forward.

From early design through construction and certification, we’ll be right by your side to help navigate decisions, reduce risk, and set your project up for success.

Contact Us for More Information

energizede@newecology.org