Beyond Housing: HACLA Leads Los Angeles into a Carbon-Free Future for International Day of Clean Energy

LOS ANGELES, CA - January 26, 2026 - On this International Day of Clean Energy, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is proud to showcase its wide-ranging portfolio of clean energy projects that are redefining the role of public housing in environmental stewardship.

"At HACLA, we believe that the transition to a carbon-free future must be inclusive. We are moving beyond simple energy upgrades to create holistic, sustainable communities where every resident breathes cleaner air and lives in a more resilient home," said HACLA President & CEO Lourdes Castro Ramirez. "By integrating 100% building electrification, solar power, and smart climate solutions, we are not just reducing the environmental footprint of our city-we are directly lowering utility costs for families and improving the indoor health and comfort of our children and seniors."

HACLA Clean Energy Projects:

• San Fernando Gardens "Smart Climate Solutions": HACLA recently celebrated the completion of a Resiliency Center at San Fernando Gardens featuring a dedicated backup solar energy system. The Center provides a cooled safe haven for residents during extreme heat events and grid. Additionally, HACLA installed 448 energy-efficient air conditioning units, ceiling fans, and "cool roofs" to improve indoor air quality and temperature control. See this great work here.
• The Watts Rising Transformation: Through a $33 million investment from the California Strategic Growth Council, the Watts Rising Collaborative is establishing Watts as a a global model for urban sustainability. Key highlights includes the Solar Watts project, which has equipped over 50 homes with solar power, and the successful electrification of the Watts DASH bus fleet.
• Electric Mobility: HACLA has expanded affordable, zero-emission transportation through EV car-sharing programs at Rancho San Pedro, Pico Gardens, and for Section 8 FSS residents citywide. Furthermore, low- to no-cost Electric Bicycle Lending Program at Rancho San Pedro and Nickerson Gardens reduce air pollution while providing residents with mobility.
• Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future: Major developments at Jordan Downs and One San Pedro redevelopment are setting new benchmarks for public housing. Jordan Downs is the City's second LEED Neighborhood Development and is building to LEED Platinum while One San Pedro will meet LEED Gold requirements. Combined, these sites will feature thousands of units with 100% building electrification, solar-ready roofs and widespread EV charging infrastructure to support a permanent carbon-free lifestyle.
• Portfolio-Wide Efficiency: HACLA's city-wide retrofit campaign has already reduced water consumption by 27% through LED lighting and high-efficiency fixtures. HACLA's Toilet Sensor Project, which uses real-time monitoring to detect leaks and trigger maintenance alerts, recently won the Advancing Water Efficiency in Affordable Housing award at the 21st Annual Green Gala & California Green Building Awards.

Reflecting HACLA's leadership, President Castro Ramírez was recently recognized as a 2025 Visionary of the Year by Enterprise Community Partners, a distinction that underscores the entire agency's commitment to regional decarbonization.

"When public and private sectors unite, our families win," added Castro Ramirez. "These partnerships allow HACLA to scale the climate solutions our residents deserve, ensuring a healthy, sustainable environment for every Angeleno we serve."

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About HACLA: The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) is one of the nation's largest and leading public housing authorities, providing affordable housing to over 100,000 residents. HACLA is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for its residents through innovative sustainable development and social services. For more information, visit www.hacla.org.