Green Urbanism
Zero Energy Affordable Housing
Overview
Global Green-CEC: Solar Energy
Overview
A zero energy building or net zero energy building is a general term applied to a building with a net energy consumption of zero over a typical year. Zero energy buildings are gaining considerable interest as a means to cut greenhouse gas emissions and conserve energy.
An opportunity exists to lower the utility bill cost burden to low-income families by raising awareness and building a viable financial model for Zero Energy New Homes.
The burden energy bills present to low-income families in the United States is often staggeringly heavy. Families significantly below the poverty level have been shown to spend as much as 19% of their income on utility bills, while in some areas of the United States as many as a quarter of evictions of low-income renters were due to inability to pay utility bills.
According to the California Energy Commission (CEC) approximately half of new multifamily affordable housing units constructed each year are energy efficient enough to qualify for Energy Star certification. Further, the CEC estimates only 2% of affordable housing developers integrate renewable energy features into their projects. Low energy efficiency and low use of renewable energy in affordable housing projects stems from a lack of awareness and viable financial models with which to implement these measures.
With funding from the CEC, Global Green and affordable housing developers are building zero-energy affordable housing units with off-the-shelf technology and a robust financial model that will be replicable by other developers nationwide.
Rebate and Incentive Programs
NEW SOLAR HOMES PARTNERSHIP
California Energy Commission rebate program - offers enhanced incentives for solar photovoltaics installed on new affordable housing developments. Includes rebates for solar systems that power units and/or common areas. Available only for customers of PG&E, SCE, SDG&E and Bear Valley Electric.
CALIFORNIA SOLAR INITIATIVE (CSI) UTILITY PROGRAM CONTACTS:
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Palo Alto Utilities Department
San Diego Gas & Electric territory (Center for Sustainable Energy California)
FEDERAL TAX CREDITS FOR SOLAR ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The IRS offers tax credits to housing developers for the installation of solar photovoltaic and solar hot water systems, along with tax credits for energy efficiency.
Additional Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits are available to projects that receive a tax credit credit allocation from the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee and that install renewable energy systems.
Case Studies
Case Studies: In-depth descriptions of affordable housing projects that have incorporated Green Building practices and solar photovoltaics. Download the free documents:
Publications
Green Affordable Housing Initiative Case Studies
These case studies describe innovative green affordable housing projects that range from maximizing green building techniques with limited resources to meeting net zero goals. You can download all four case studies by clicking the DOWNLOAD link, or click for the individual case studes here: SOLARA, Nueva Vista, Colorado Court, First Community Housing.
DOWNLOAD
Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing: 2nd Edition
Drawing on over a decade of experience by Global Green staff on technical assistance and policy development, the Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing offers housing developers, designers, advocates, public agency staff, and the financial community specific guidance on green practices and innovative strategies for incorporating green building strategies into the design, construction, and operation of affordable housing developments. The book presents 12 case studies of model developments, including rental, home ownership, special needs, senior, sweat equity, and cohousing from around the United States.
View All Green Urbanism Publications