Sustainable Communities

Meeting our present needs without compromising the needs of future generations is at the heart of sustainable development. The Thomas Jefferson HOME Consortium has begun a Sustainable Communities Initiative aimed at encouraging the use of sustainable, green building techniques and materials in the development of affordable housing in the region. The HOME Consortium will create a regional clearinghouse of information and resources on green building design and construction.

Green building is good for the environment, promotes health and safety, and is often more affordable than conventional building over the long-term. "Green building" implies using environmentally sound building materials and techniques, using energy and other resources efficiently (recycling and reusing materials, when possible) and fostering a sense of community in the design of buildings. Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly green building materials and techniques contributes to the long term health, vitality, and sustainability of the region.

In addition to the environmental, health, and safety benefits of green building, low income residents will benefit from increased affordability through lower energy costs from heating and air conditioning, less water consumption, lower costs from waste disposal, and reduced long-term maintenance.

Benefits of green building

Affordability

• Lower energy costs from heating and air conditioning
• Less water consumption
• Lower costs from waste disposal
• Reduces long-term maintenance

Reduces impacts on the environment

• Decreased consumption (use of recycled or reused materials)
• Decreased reliance on toxic materials
• Efficient use of energy
• Efficient use of water

Improves health and safety

• Improves air quality
• Reduces the use of toxic materials and processes
• Minimizes the use of vinyl and pressure treated lumber

Promotes sustainability by design

• Improves energy efficiency
• Encourages quality construction and design
• Lessens the stigma often attached to low income housing
• Promotes a cohesive sense of community

Components of Green Buildings

Siting and Landscape

• Building oriented to utilize natural heating and cooling features
• Building near public transportation and bike/walking paths
• Retention of natural habitat areas for wildlife
• Retention of native plants/replanting with native plants
• Low pesticide and herbicide use for landscape maintenance
• Rainwater or graywater retention for landscape use

Building Design

• Increased natural lighting
• Use of renewable energy sources
• Energy-efficient building systems
• High indoor air quality goals
• Energy and water-efficient appliances
• Less-toxic building materials
• Recycled-content building materials

Construction Practices

• Water pollution impact reduced during construction
• Protection of trees and topsoil during sitework
• Construction waste reduction and recycling
• Exposure to toxic materials reduced
• Water and electricity-conserving practices used on construction site

Building Use

• Built-in recycling systems
• Less toxic cleaning products
• Less toxic pest control products
• Adequate maintenance of appliances and heating/cooling systems
• Building reuse/remolding instead of demolition

Virginia Housing and the Environment Network, Regenerations, Vol.2, Issue No. 1.

Green Building Resources

Affordable Sustainable Technical Assistance

Building Green - Publishers of Environmental Building News

Center for Neighborhood Technology

Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction from BuildingGreen.com

City of Austin Green Building Program

Directory of Green Building Professionals

Four Pillars of Housing, TJPDC Staff Presentation

Global Green USA

Green Affordable Housing Checklist, Santa Monica

Green Affordable Housing Coalition

Green Building Resource Guide

Phillip Merrill Environmental Center

Smart Communities Network

Southface Energy Institute

Sustainable Architecture, Building, and Culture

Sustainable Building Sourcebook

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Communities

U.S. Green Building Council

Virginia Housing and the Environment Network