Introduction &
Field Guide Overview

Guide Sections

1. Introduction & Field Guide Overview
2. Getting Started
3. Funding Your Project
4. Reviewing Your Portfolio
5. Selecting Properties
6. Engaging Tenants
7. Developing a Scope of Work
8. Selecting a Contractor
9. Financing
10. Construction
11. Conducting QA & Verification
12. Monitoring Utility Use
13. Managing Operations and Maintenance
14. Future Learning
15. Resources & Case Studies
16. Appendix

Introduction & Field Guide Overview

Preservation through Decarbonization
Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors 

Preserving homes through decarbonization retrofit upgrades is one of the most effective strategies we have to protect affordable housing. Every time a building is upgraded, to make it safer, healthier, and more efficient, we are also extending its life, reducing pollution, and keeping families in their communities.  Reuse is faster, cheaper, and greener than starting from scratch, and it supports the same goal as new construction: creating lasting, affordable homes for our communities.  

This Field Guide was developed from real projects and partnerships across Los Angeles, including those supported by LADWP’s Comprehensive Affordable Multifamily Retrofits (CAMR) program. It captures lessons learned from nonprofits, property owners, and community organizations that have already begun the decarbonization retrofit process (or the transition to cleaner, more efficient buildings).

How is this resource different?

While there are several excellent toolkits and other resources available, these are general best practice. Our Field Guide is specific to the East Los Angeles area.

Purpose  

Decarbonization has been positioned as a separate issue from affordability… as a potential pathway of preservation for affordable multifamily housing. Preservation is greener, cheaper, and faster than new affordable housing construction.  

Using This Field Guide 

This guide offers a practical roadmap for planning and completing a building decarbonization project. Each section outlines a clear process that can be adapted to fit your organization’s capacity and property types. 

You will find tools, examples, and checklists drawn from real projects across Los Angeles to help you move step-by-step through this process. From building readiness and funding strategies to construction, tenant engagement, and long-term maintenance. By following these steps, your team can strengthen housing stability while contributing to a cleaner and more resilient city.  

To provide a comprehensive field guide, we have included worksheets throughout that can be accessed on the resources or appendix page. This field guide uses the following reference system: 

Tables 

  • Format: Table S[Section]-T[Number]: [Table Name] 

  • Example: Table S2-T1: Summary of Team Roles 

Appendices 

  • Format: S[Section]-A[Number]: [Name] 

  • Example: S2-A1: SWOT Analysis 

Any questions? Contact us for more information.