TRENTON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has announced a Sustainable Development/Affordable Housing Pilot Program to promote sustainable development in the context of energy-efficient, affordable housing. DCA will solicit proposals from housing development teams to design and construct housing that meets a strict set of energy and environmental criteria, including Energy Star Home efficiency standards.

Projects are expected to range from 5to 50 units and can be for new development as well as reconstruction of existing buildings. Developers are encouraged to team up with consultants, planners, architects and builders with demonstrated experience in sustainable design. A team of sustainable design experts will evaluate proposals. The program is partly supported be Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G) through their Energy Efficient Home 5-Star Program, which provides incentives which cover the typical incremental cost of meeting the 5-Star/EPA Energy-Star Standard.