Making Affordable Housing More Affordable

Grant Award: $75,000

For many folks, the actual cost of housing doesn’t end with the monthly rent. Electricity, transportation, and other expenses—all these things add up. With support from HCi3, Akoma Holdings is tackling those costs head on by integrating rooftop solar and EV charging infrastructure into eight affordable rental townhomes currently under construction in Lake Loon.

The homes are already designed to be energy efficient. Heat pumps have been installed for heating and cooling. Solar power will help bring down electricity bills. On-site EV charging will make electric transportation more practical and affordable as lower-cost electric vehicles arrive on the market. The result is expected to be about $2,200 in annual savings for each household. It’ll also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy and electric transportation. The project will also provide a model for housing developments across Nova Scotia that pair climate action with lower long-term living costs. After all, a home should be more than a place to live. It should help people build a better future.