The “green” movement has caught significant attention in recent times, but for many years now, community development professionals in the NeighborWorks network have been using green concepts to deliver environmental, social and economic advantages to lower-income families. Below is just a sample of sustainable housing built by NeighborWorks organizations.
Massachusetts Neighborhood Apartment and Housing Services (Cambridge, MA)
Trolley Square
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Trolley Square |
Energy Efficiency
- Exterior building exceeds Energy star
requirements for insulation and air filtration
- High-performance low-emittance windows
- Extra insulation in walls and roof
- Efficient framing and low solar gain roofing materials
- Energy Star lighting, appliances and mechanicals
Water Conservation
- Storm water retention tanks.
- Use of roof water for drip irrigation at plaza planters and courtyard gardens.
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Dual-flush toilets
Healthy Living
- Durable low-toxic sealant to prevent infiltration of air and water.
- low VOC paints
- Natural linoleum and rubber flooring
- Green label carpets
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Foundation Communities (Austin, Texas)
Sierra Ridge, Vintage Creek, and Spring Terrace Apartments
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Sierra Ridge Apartments |
Energy Efficiency
- Electricity from renewable sources
- High performance windows
- Engineered daylight system—Sensors, dimmers, and occupancy sensors
- High performance water heating
- Energy-efficient AC systems and energy recovery ventilators
- Solar window screens, water heating systems and electric systems
- Energy Star compliant lighting, appliances and roofing
Water Conservation
- Low flow showerheads
- Low flow plumbing fixtures
- Water-wise landscaping and efficient irrigation
- Rainwater harvesting
Healthy Living
- Low VOC paint, adhesives and sealants
- Formaldehyde-free insulation and wood products
- Green space
Resource Conservation:
- On site recycling
- 50 percent-75 percent of all construction waste is recycled
- Occupancy sensors for air condition/heating units
- Recycled interior finishes
- Durable flooring surface instead of carpeting
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Community Housing Partners (Blacksburg, VA)
Roanoke Lee-Street Project
**View Video**
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Roanoke Lee Street Project |
Energy Efficiency
- ENERGY STAR® appliances, lighting, and windows
- Cellulose insulation
- Duct sealing, and high efficiency 14 SEER heat pumps
Healthy Living
- Advanced framing techniques
- Hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, and Trex decking
- Low VOC paints and finishes
Resource Conservation
- Efficient appliances
- Rain barrels
- Rain gardens
- Pervious paving
- Native landscaping
- Fiber cement siding
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Laurel Green Subdivision |
Neighborhood Housing and Development Corporation (Gainesville, FL)
Laurel Green Subdivision
Energy Efficiency
- HERS index score no higher than 80, tested by Thermal Bypass Inspection, Duct Blast Test, Blower Door test
- Light colored interior walls, ceilings, carpet/floors
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Environmentally Landscaping-Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program: Use of native, drought tolerant turf, tree, and plant selection
- No permanent irrigation
- Programmable Thermostat
- Low-E windows
Healthy Living
- Use Carpet Institute’s Green Label certified carpet
- Low volatile organic compound paints and primers
- Install exhaust fans in bathrooms exhausting to the outdoors to ensure effective removal of moisture
- Vent kitchen range hoods to the exterior
- Use highly durable, moisture resistant materials in tub/shower enclosures
- Install appropriately size HVAC systems to prevent short-cycle of heating or air conditioning and ensure adequate dehumidification
- Provide surface drainage of water away from foundations
- Eco-friendly cellulose insulation
Additional Resource Conservation
- Reduction in the square footage or building envelope as compared to most developments
- Exceed Energy Star Standards using super-insulation, higher HVAC SEER rating, centrally located units, with mastic ductwork and joints sealing
- Eco-friendly trim
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Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (Slayton, MN)
Viking Terrace Apartments
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Viking Terrace |
Energy Efficiency
- High efficiency geothermal heating and cooling system
- Enhanced insulation of the building envelope
- Energy Star appliances
Healthy Living
- Whole-unit ventilation system, including continuous ventilation of bathrooms
- Low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives
- Radon testing, monitoring, and remediation
Resource Conservation
- Water conserving appliances and fixtures
- Metal roofing
- Cement fiber siding
- Interior finish materials using recycled content
- On-site recycling of demolition and construction materials
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