GREENHOME Presentation by Michael Bodaken March 3, 2009 Green Affordable Housing Preservation

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation National Housing Trust  Committed to safeguarding affordable housing.  Only national nonprofit engaged in housing preservation through real estate development, lending and public policy initiatives.  The National Housing Trust:  Partners with investors to raise capital to buy and renovate affordable apartments. Preserved more than 4,800 affordable apartments.  Lends early money to developers to help them purchase and renovate affordable apartments. Loans have helped preserve nearly 5,000 homes.  Educates policymakers of the need to dedicate resources towards the revitalization of existing affordable apartments.

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Preserving affordable housing is inherently energy and resource efficient.  Building Reuse. It produces less waste and uses less new materials and energy than new construction.  Infrastructure. It does not require new utility or transportation infrastructure.  Green space. It does not require developing more land.  Household energy use. There are many ways to integrate green technology and methods into the rehabilitation process to improve energy efficiency and conserve water through the use of green design and materials. Copyright National Trust for Historic Preservation

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Defining Green Improve Energy Efficiency:  high efficiency HVAC system  Energy star appliances Conserve and Manage Resources:  Low flow faucets, showers, toilets, aerators  storm water management Reduce impact on residents and environment:  low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint  use of certified wood Appropriate site selection and development :  located near public transportation and services  compact, walkable site plan

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Green Standards Green Communities TM Criteria, Enterprise Community Partners  accommodates the complexities of dealing with existing multi-family buildings LEED Certification US Green Building Council  criteria for various types of construction- New Construction and Major Renovation is the most relevant  no criteria yet specific to existing residential buildings, new construction standards are focused upon commercial structures Earth Craft  distinguishes between new construction and rehabilitation, multi-family and single family Model Green Home Guidelines, National Association of Home Builders  focused on new construction of single family homes

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Galen Terrace: From Mean Streets to Green Street Photo by Lloyd Wolf

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Galen Terrace Project Details:  Washington, DC  Family property  84 units, 3 buildings  1-4 bedrooms  100% Section 8  $60,000/unit in rehab; Green Retrofit components = $15,000.  NHT/Enterprise, Somerset & Resident Association

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation The Greening of Galen Terrace Renovation includes full unit renovations, all new systems, windows, doors (keeping walls & ceilings) Energy auditor completed a blower door test and infrared scans of building Creating a more walkable community Downspouts will feed into rain barrels Low-flow fixtures- shower, toilet, faucets Native Plants Energy Star refrigerators Individual meters in all units

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation The Greening of Galen Terrace (cont.) Common area laundry rooms (6) with new ductwork & venting Solar reflective roof material Low VOC paints, primers, sealants, adhesives, caulk Composite wood free of added urea formaldehyde or sealed with low VOC sealant or laminate Green label certified carpets Insulate cold water pipes Green Home Guide is being developed and will be distributed to residents Management provides an orientation to each new renter

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Green Improvements Well Worth the Cost  The incremental cost of energy improvements was 3.8% of the total development budget.  The projected energy savings is 60%.  The projected water savings is 21%. Short video about Galen Terrace rehab can be found on YouTube: Or Search for “The Greening of Galen Terrace Apartments”

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Lessons Learned from Going Green Go green from the beginning  determine green goals  set the level of priority in the beginning Get an experienced team  get a green consultant or qualified architect on board early  select a contractor who has done green building before or who will work with the green architect/consultant early on in the process Expect a learning curve  it takes time for developers to learn how to do green well  it takes experience to know what different specifications to use, and to find contractors and subcontractors with sufficient knowledge of green products  Research the specifications to find the most affordable options

National Housing Trust, Green Affordable Housing Preservation Incentives for Green Preservation  In order to receive Low Income Housing Tax Credits, all properties must now include energy efficiency in their tax credit applications;  Federal Government will launch, this year, $250 Million program to “green retrofit” HUD Section 8 housing;  $5 B in Weatherization grants that may be used for multifamily.  State and local green programs take a variety of forms, including:  Renewable energy tax credits  Incentive programs for replacement of older fixtures with low-water use fixtures  Rebate programs for alternative energy sources, high efficiency washers and dryers, and low-flow toilets  Sales and property tax exemptions for photovoltaic and other alternative energy sources

Michael Bodaken   Address: th St, NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC  Phone: (202)  Web: National Housing Trust For more information: