A grant from RegenAll’s Community Climate Fund allowed Chestnut Housing to install new insulation throughout the basement of a 2,500-square-foot apartment building that was originally built in 1890.
Because older buildings are prone to allowing outside air to leak in and thermostat-controlled air to seep out, quality insulation and air sealing are key to saving energy and money.
Upgrading these is the best first step in improving a building’s efficiency.
“While installing a heat pump or solar panels can be more flashy, the most cost-effective place to start is to improve a building’s envelope,” said Andrew Pauls-Thomas, RegenAll’s Director of Home Energy Solutions. “When a building is less leaky, residents are more comfortable, heating and cooling costs are lower, and the pollution associated with conditioning the air in a home is diminished.”
For Chestnut Housing, who provides quality housing to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, this was an ideal solution for improving this building while continuing to create affordable housing options in Lancaster County.
"First and foremost, Chestnut Housing deeply appreciates the financial support from RegenAll to help preserve affordable housing resources in our community,” said Executive Director Chad Martin.
“Our program got its start by acquiring and rehabilitating aging rental housing resources fifteen years ago. Today, several of these properties need further investment to minimize energy costs for the residents we serve. This grant from RegenAll does that – it will directly lead to cost savings for lower-income residents in our community."
The Community Climate Fund (CCF) invests in a thriving future for the people and natural environment of Lancaster County.
It helps climate-smart projects come to life, working in both rural and urban contexts.
These projects, like weatherization for affordable housing units, otherwise might not happen due to current funding gaps.
In addition to insulation, the CCF grant also funded an energy audit of the Chestnut Housing apartment building.
Energy audits are conducted through RegenAll’s Navigator Program, which helps home and building owners identify solutions for improving energy efficiency, cost savings, and comfort.
The grant also funded new weather stripping around the doorframes of outside-facing doors.
With the technical assistance of RegenAll’s Navigator Program and funding from the CCF, Chestnut Housing was able to upgrade two affordable housing units and continue supporting the residents they serve.
We’re very thankful for their partnership and for the CCF donors who make projects like this possible.
Visit the RegenAll website to learn more.
(Photo: New insulation; Old insulation.)
[Posted: July 9, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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