Green Building in Affordable Housing Efforts

Green Building in Affordable Housing Reaches Critical Mass

by WALKER WELLS

Seven years ago, Global Green USA developed a performance ranking system to compare states’ efforts to build sustainably-designed, healthy and energy efficient affordable housing. We recently completed our “Progress and Possibilities” report evaluating the 2012 Qualified Allocation Plans (QAPs), which guide the distribution of the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program (LIHTC). LIHTC supports development of nearly 100,000 housing units annually for individuals and families living below median income levels.

The results of this year’s analysis clearly demonstrate that green building has become a fundamental element of many states’ affordable housing developments. In 15 states, the majority of funded housing projects pursue green building certification.

Recognizing the growth in the number of states that are using third party programs. United Housing is using MLGW's EcoBUILD certification and TVA's Generation Partners Solar program. 

Read the whole article on America's growing Green Building initiatives and how one company is helping to encourage the trend.