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The Green Evolution of Affordable Housing Green-Certified Affordable Housing is a Win-Win BY ANNIE MCGEHRIN he sustainable building sector is often seen as a luxury, but why not as a basic necessity? Sustainable buildings, also known as green buildings, minimize the use of resources, reduce harmful effects on the environment, and provide healthier environments for people. Limited-income communities suffer disproportionately from unsustainable buildings and are more likely to be occupants of homes that are unsafe, unhealthy and the least energy efficient. The value of sustainability is gradually coming into focus within the communities most impacted, thanks in part to the help of programs that incentivize greenbuilding certifications among affordable-housing developments. There are many organizations gleaming as beacons of how we
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can make shifts so that affordable housing and green building are no longer seen as mutually exclusive.
Shortage of affordable homes As the nation faces a critical shortage of affordable homes, more than 10 million households are relinquishing more than half of their income towards rent. In Asheville, the need for affordable housing is glaring with more than 500 members of our community facing homelessness and even more people burdened with substandard housing. With the present and urgent need for affordable housing for millions of families, some argue that the most viable solution is in multifamily developments such as apartments, townhomes, and condos. Not only does multifamily housing accommodate the most people, but it also is one of the
most effective ways of building green affordable homes. A study conducted by Southface Institute and the Virginia Center for Housing Research finds that green multifamily developments outperform non-green developments in terms of construction and development costs, energy and utility costs, and all-around resident satisfaction. When compared to non-green developments, green developments saved nearly $5,000 per year on utility costs. On average, energy bills are 12 percent lower, and the total operations and maintenance costs are 15 percent less expensive. Overall, green-certified affordable housing is a win, win, win for developers, residents, and the planet.
Local endeavours Communities and local organizations like Asheville Area Habitat
for Humanity and Mountain Housing Opportunities are helping to fit the needs of affordable green housing in Buncombe County. This year, the City of Asheville has plans for more than 870 new affordable housing units and there are a few green-certified treasure troves on the horizon. The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity is not a new name in the local green-building world but now it is making waves with its newest and largest construction
This year, the City of Asheville has plans for more than 870 new affordable housing units.
The New Heights development is under construction (left) by Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers put up siding (right) on one of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity’s Aging-in-Place units. ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PHOTOS
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www.GREENBUILT.org
