Clean Energy Internship

About The Community Builders (TCB)

Join a growing organization that is strengthening neighborhoods across the nation! The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB) is one of America's leading nonprofit real estate developers and owners. Our mission is to build and sustain strong communities where all people can thrive.

Position Description

The Community Builders (TCB), one of the nation's largest nonprofit affordable housing developers, seeks a student intern to assist with climate resiliency initiatives. TCB owns and/or manages about 15,000 apartments and townhomes in 13 states and DC, and has ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals, as well as a desire to make their homes as healthy as possible for residents who often live in Environmental Justice communities. This internship would further those goals, and the intern would gain a specific understanding of the specific challenges (and solutions) that the affordable housing industry faces when pursuing decarbonization and other green and healthy housing initiatives.

Overall Objective

Assist in creation of an action plan for TCB's emissions reductions commitment (50% GHG reduction by 2031)

Specific Goals (adjustable according to applicant's skills and interest and the internship length)

1. Clean and manage existing data on sustainability-related initiatives (water and energy conservation; renewable energy generation (solar, EV charging, geothermal)) with a priority focus on solar and water conservation

a. Fill in gaps in existing data (existing solar, water conservation, and other similar measures)

b. Analyze existing data management capacity and make recommendations for tailoring

c. Assist in creating SOPs for continued data management practices

d. Assist in creating an actionable solar feasibility database for all of New England (one of the most feasible regions for solar) as a model for other regions (part of Goal 3)

e. Identify energy savings opportunities in the portfolio (prioritizing the Midwest region as a model for the entire portfolio)

f. Analyze water conservation programs enacted to date and make recommendations on a comprehensive program for the portfolio

2. Assist in creating loan products for resource conservation and energy generation initiatives

a. Research existing market products

b. Understand institutional capacity/risk tolerance in this area

c. Develop loan product terms and underwriting guidelines

3. Assist in outlining climate resiliency actions for specific TCB properties

a. Align and refine loan products with properties that are well-suited by developing a decision matrix including factors such as governance, physical characteristics, financial characteristics, compliance period timing, etc.

b. Align resiliency action recommendations with capital planning and/or external funding/requirements

Internship Dates

10/1/2025-4/30/2026 (possibility for extension into summer)

Payment & Hours

$23/hr for 10 hrs/week (possibility for more hours per week)