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
Developing Green Building Programs: A Step-By-Step Guide for Local Governments
Global Green USA’s step-by-step guidebook outlining a six-step process that local agencies can utilize to develop their own green building programs. The process was developed based on the real world experience that Global Green has gained in working with local governments to develop green building programs in cities such as, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Irvine, West Hollywood, and New Orleans.
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Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser: A Report on National Green Schools
This report outlines the significant benefits of green schools which include improved learning, reduced operating costs, and better student attendance (which translates into more dollars for school districts). In addition, it provides a green school practitioner guide, case studies, and a reference guide to draft a green school resolution. The report also offers the first overview of Global Green’s landmark green schools initiative in New Orleans made possible by a grant from the Bush Clinton Katrina Fund
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