As renters face a national shortage of 7 million low-income rental homes, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is pivotal in helping to close the affordability gap for renters. It is the nation’s most significant resource for affordable apartment housing construction, which gives state and local agencies approximately $10 billion in annual budget authority to issue tax credits for affordable housing development.
At Arbor
Arbor remains committed to the responsible environmental management of our operations. We are always striving to improve upon the ways in which we can minimize the impact that our business has on the environment. This exploration involves an analysis of our workspaces and business practices, our vendor and counterparty practices, and the carbon footprint of our lending practices. We believe that the key to keeping our focus on sustainability is an ongoing investment in our people, continuous and broad-based education, and a flexible approach to our policies and processes.
Partnerships
Arbor has continued its domestic and international tree planting program, aimed at supporting two highly successful reforestation efforts through a commitment to plant a tree on behalf of Arbor’s customers for each loan we close. This initiative provides a valuable opportunity to connect with our clients while actively contributing to a critically important environmental cause. To date, in recognition of our closed transactions, and our commitment to these critical organizations, Arbor has financed the planting of 17,000 trees domestically and 3,400 trees in the State of Israel.
Energy Management
In its workspaces across the United States, Arbor has installed low-flow water systems in bathrooms, energy-efficient LED lighting, daylight and occupancy sensors in all new office buildouts and retrofits, and hands-free faucets. All equipment is set to energy reduction modes, including computer and copier equipment, allowing for “rest” during non-peak hours and double-sided copying is encouraged. Arbor shows preference to green leased buildings for one-off offices and purchases energy star appliances when available.
Waste Management
Arbor maintains effective recycling processes (supplies, electronics, paper files), where available, to increase landfill diversion and to be in compliance with all building rules and regulations.
Water Management
In its workspaces across the United States, Arbor has installed low-flow water systems in bathrooms, energy-efficient LED lighting, daylight and occupancy sensors in all new office buildouts and retrofits, and hands-free faucets. All equipment is set to energy reduction modes, including computer and copier equipment, allowing for “rest” during non-peak hours and double-sided copying is encouraged. Arbor shows preference to green leased buildings for one-off offices and purchases energy star appliances when available.
Carbon Footprint
Arbor currently has a robust telecommuting policy greatly reducing our employees’ use of fossil fuels, supports video conferencing and conference calling as an alternative to travel, utilizes e-signature and electronic invoices and statements, and encourages digital-only subscriptions and eco-friendly packaging solutions. We have also begun investigating our scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon footprint to see where we can be more mindful and impactful in our efforts and business operations.
Legal Compliance
Arbor is in full compliance with environmental regulations in all of its office locations and requires the same of the properties on which it lends.