October 2016

Meet the New Green Face of Affordable Housing

F. Kaid Benefield, The Huffington Post

When you think of “affordable housing,” what’s the image that comes to mind? For lots of people, including many of those most in need of it, the picture is not a pretty one: it’s a scene of dreary, deteriorating high-rises or shabby, poorly constructed “garden” apartments with no garden in sight. Moreover, the projects come with lots of safety concerns, placed in “the wrong part of town.” Environmentally, they may be plagued with poor air quality, peeling paint, energy inefficiency, unkempt grounds, and litter.

There’s an unfortunate stigma associated with affordable housing in the US, particularly with publicly subsidized housing; and, if the reality frequently isn’t as awful as the reputation, I’m afraid the reputation is also grounded in more than a little truth in more than a few places. The stigma has been well-earned over time. What you are likely not thinking about, when you think of affordable housing, is state-of-the-art green design that would appeal not just to people of limited means but to others as well.

Discover innovations in green affordable housing here...

Green Communities Spotlight

Green Affordable Housing Incentives
(Green Communities Measure #6)

This measure awards points to local governments that offer incentives specifically for affordable and workforce housing entities that seek green building certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes, EarthCraft House, EarthCraft Multifamily, and ENERGY STAR. The Department of Housing and Urban Development defines affordable housing as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s monthly income.

The City of Woodstock offers incentives for building affordable green housing developments for workforce housing. Incentives include expedited reviews plus a 10 percent reduction in permit fees for projects that are EarthCraft House, EarthCraft Multifamily or Energy Star certified. The building permit fee is reduced by 25 percent for LEED for Homes Certified Projects.

Make it Personal

Create a Green and Healthy Home

• Grow plants indoors – Live plants around your home act as natural air filters, and some plants are particularly effective absorbers of harmful pollutants emitted from home furnishings and finishes.
• Choose non-toxic cleaners – Find eco-friendly alternatives to harsh chemical cleaners, which can cause health problems and pollute the environment as well.
• Plant an edible garden – Grow your own salad greens, veggies, and herbs. A garden can help reduce soil erosion and reduce air pollution. Aim to plant a plot that doesn't use a lot of water and tend your garden without using toxic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Find more ways to create a green and healthy home here...

Sustainability News Clips

Green news from near and far

One Gwinnett city extended its farmers market through the winter

Suwanee is getting Gwinnett County's first bike share program

Atlanta ranks 5th in green building survey

Atlanta named one of 50 Best Bike Cities

Atlanta among cities that turned a new leaf to count the ROI of trees

Decatur lays out plan to install – and asks for patience regarding – new LED streetlights

Decatur sets new record for International Walk & Roll to School Day

MAC congratulates the 2016 Atlanta E3 Awards winners

Communities find economic value in parks

Measuring walking access to parks

One way to add open green space to your city and do it really cheaply

Fostering community sustainability from the ground up

How to create and integrate a sustainability strategy

Energy reduction a 'contact' sport

New EPA web portal helps locals prepare for climate change

The economic argument for switching to renewable energy

How waste amnesty days help cleanup municipalities across the country

Before joining the bike-lane craze, consider this

How your community's green footprint can impact our future

Capital Cascades Crossing Bridge heralded as most eco-friendly pedestrian bridge in the U.S.

Energy analytics campaign launched for commercial buildings