Green Affordable Housing is designed to meet multiple goals.
First, it must be affordable. Systems design leads to high
performance at the lowest first cost. Energy efficiency is also
important so that low operating costs make houses more
affordable over their lifetime. Housing cannot be made more
efficient at the expense of occupant's health. Indoor air
quality can be improved through ventilation design, construction
systems, and material selection. Durability and low maintenance
are critical issues as well. Long lasting systems and materials
are more affordable in the long run. Green Affordable Housing
also means selecting systems and materials with the least
lifetime impact on the environment. Finally, housing must be
well designed so it adds value to the community and makes
individual homeowners want to stay and improve their property.