HIGH PERFORMANCE CASE STUDIES: 300-level
SESSION 4
DATE // START TIME // ROOM NUMBER:
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 11:00am – Metro 2C
ABSTRACT:
Two case studies explore proven models for cost-effective green affordable housing, while investigating uncommon approaches to design and community engagement.
MODERATOR:
Lenard Hart, Executive Director, Sustainable Housing Foundation
SPEAKERS:
John Godden, President, Clearsphere
Tom Laronde, Founder, The Four Winds Group
DESCRIPTION:
Low-income affordable housing is not often market-driven. The cost of a certification label is unlikely to be recovered by consumer’s willingness to pay more for a superior product. Governments can be convinced to pay for labeling, but often at the cost of another form of upgrade. Affordable housing is instead often driven by community need. By bringing the community into the design and building process, the Sustainable Housing Foundation has successfully assisted low-income, affordable housing projects in achieving significant energy savings, improved quality of construction, indoor air quality, and sound attenuation while creating jobs within communities.
Relationships Build Communities: The Saugeen First Nations Sustainable Housing Case Study
The need for improved housing for First Nation’s people is a stark reality. The need to reduce energy consumption while increasing the durability and comfort in the home was a particular challenge for the Saugeen First Nation project team. Through a focus on renewable energy options, the Saugeen Green Housing Project sets a new standard affordable green housing.
Relationships are the building blocks of any project, and Four Winds recognizes that “relationships build communities.” Through this project, the community was willing to push the envelope in terms of approval processes and to consider new ideas by looking at established “best practices” in other parts of the world. As the project evolved, many partners were introduced in order to accomplish the project’s goals.
Approaching Net Zero in Habitat Homes: Habitat for Humanity Case Study
Habitat for Humanity has a unique building model that assists low-income families in affording a home of their own. Any energy savings that Habitat can build into their homes improves the chances for families’ ongoing ability to afford their homes, as these savings are passed on to owners. While Habitat has struggled with cost when building greener homes, this case study explores the role of early community engagement in the success of two green and affordable projects.
