E J Today Magazine Issue 9

GREENING AFFORDABLE RENTAL PROPERTIES SUBMITTED BY PRISCILLA PRESTON NOVEMBER 11, 2023

Since 2020, several members from the South Carolina Sierra Club have been working to bring about energy efficiency, renewable energy and regenerative gardening in the Midlands of South Carolina to mitigate the climate crisis in multifamily homes while improving health and quality of life. Some of the objectives of the project are:

Provide community educational energy efficiency workshops and distribute energy efficiency devices

Educate residential multifamily owners on the information needed to install/use solar for multifamily housing including financial incentives such as such as tax credits, grants, and state rebates provided by the IRA and IIJA.

Provide regenerative gardening guidance for renters and multifamily owners to sequester carbon and provide cooling spaces

The recent effort is in Winnsboro, SC where all of the apartment complexes except one are HUD housing. The residents of one complex have been blessed with a beautiful garden with edible trees, bushes, and raised beds with seasonal vegetables. A local nonprofit, Fairfield Forward has taken an interest and is funding continued efforts to expand the concept throughout the complex. Regenerative gardening involves organic and sustainable practices such as gardening without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and the use of water saving techniques. Protecting soil health and maximizing carbon sequestration is a top priority. We advocate for water catchment systems, composting, companion and native planting. The food grown improves the diet for residents while protecting the environment. We provide general education for residents and organizations in building their own organic, sustainable gardens.

41 E. J. TODAY

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