Earth Equity News

How to Build Low-Income Housing for the Future. By Suemedha Sood, WashIndependent, August 5, 2008. "The sleek brick building [known as Trolley Square], in the heart of North Cambridge, Mass…. has heavy insulation, high-efficiency boilers, programmable thermostats, variable speed fans, high-efficiency appliances, solar panels and lighting controlled by occupancy sensors. It has storm-water retention tanks to conserve water… [and is] close to public transportation… But the project stands apart from most green developments because it was built for low-income residents… Green building is often regarded as a luxury of the rich, but affordable housing developers are beginning to take on the green standard. Low-income communities, many experts say, have a lot to gain… [including] energy conservation, water conservation, healthier indoor air quality, more durable structures and access to public transportation -- all of which significantly cut down on long-term costs… From a public-health perspective, building [green] affordable housing… has been shown to reduce injury and disease caused by environmental factors like lead poisoning, particularly in low-income neighborhoods… [However,]... according to a… study by the non-profit New Ecology, going green can cost developers up to $9,700 more per unit… a 'greening premium' of roughly 2.42%… Eric Anderson, a developer with the New York-based Urban Green Builders, says the public sector could defray the marginal costs associated with green affordable housing… because, he said, the long-term benefits of green housing are undeniable."