Green Affordable Housing is designed to meet multiple goals. First, it must be affordable. Systems design leads to high performance at the lowest first cost. Energy efficiency is also important so that low operating costs make houses more affordable over their lifetime. Housing cannot be made more efficient at the expense of occupant's health. Indoor air quality can be improved through ventilation design, construction systems, and material selection.
Durability and low maintenance are critical issues as well. Long lasting systems and materials are more affordable in the long run. Green Affordable Housing also means selecting systems and materials with the least lifetime impact on the environment.
Finally, housing must be well designed so it adds value to the community and makes individual homeowners want to stay and improve their property.
