It Ain’t Easy Being Green(building)-and other midweek tidbits)

There has been a lot of talk in the world about “Green”–and how important it is to reducing each of our individual carbon footprints on this fair, but beleagured earth of ours. I, for one, am a big ole fan. Particularly when it comes to green in rehab and new construction of residential (especially affordable) units. So, this week, lets take a look at some of the cool and interesting ways of “greening up” (came up with that one myself) and some of the initiatives to encourage it. 

 

 

• In the past year or so, Enterprise (shameless plug for my organization) created the “Green Communities” criteria for affordable housing

Greatest thing about it? It acknowledges that Greening ain’t cheap, but encourages the incorporation of green elements not only for the health of residents and the environment, but also for operating costs and offers grant proceeds to back it all up. After all, most these projects operate way too close to the margins as utility costs and maintenance are always a burr in the side.

 

 

• Wanna lower your home heating bill forever? Try digging a hole…an albeit,a big expensive hole.  

It’s big. Its messy. Its expensive. And you need space to dig. But I bet you dollars to donuts you’ll lower your heating bill by at least $25/month for life. Now, for all of us rowhome owners…what to do? What to do??

 

 

• If you’ve been keeping up with the happenings here at the Crib, you already know that I am unashamedly a fan of the Chi(cago), but here is even more reason for you to become one too! The city is taking the green movement to the city’s ubiquitous Chicago-style bungalow. Thanks to the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association, retrofitting green elements has never been simpler.

I wouldn’t be mad if cities with other ubiquitious housing types(otherwise known as “blocks and blocks of the same type of house) followed suit, tout suite. That means you my fair city of Baltimore, and you too Philly.

 

• And then Chicago does it again, by showing us just how it can be done for an affordable development…good design and asthetically pleasing–and make it home for an at-risk and difficult to serve population.

 

 

• Need some facts to feel a little more rosey about the high up front costs of “green”. This gentleman drops some needed science on just how much energy efficiency and “greening up” can help you cost wise and good for the planet wise.

 

Well. That’s all for today, my friends. Now, go forth and prosper(without expanding your carbon footprint of course!)

P.S. Have any interesting tidbits to share about other Green residential building projects or initiatives? Please share!