Residential Multifamily
Multifamily buildings are inherently green, thanks to the way they support denser, transit-friendly communities. But they have a legacy to overcome. Uninsulated masonry buildings; antiquated heating systems; inefficient, ad hoc cooling—many aspects of typical multifamily construction and operation evolved in an era when energy was cheap. What's more, lower-quality products often appear in lower-income and affordable multifamily housing, contributing to poor indoor quality and potentially exposing our most vulnerable populations to toxic chemicals in building materials.
Seizing the opportunity, many designers and policymakers are working to better address mid-rise multifamily buildings. Good design, public policy, market incentives, developers who see the big picture, and new technologies all have a place in making our multifamily buildings greener.
Residential Multifamily
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Saying Goodbye to the Office—and Hello to Housing
Feature Article
The way we use (and don’t use) our offices is irrevocably changing. But what are we going to do with all these vacant buildings?
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The Potential of Prefab: How Modular Construction Can Be Green
Feature Article
Offsite modular construction not only cuts costs and construction times but also benefits people and the planet.
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Focus on Resilient Housing
Feature Article
A broad look at the opportunities and challenges in providing resilient multifamily housing.
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Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
Feature Article
Green building is not just for those with means.
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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Multifamily & Residential Cabinetry
Product Guide
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Top-Efficiency Washers and Dryers Come in from Turkey
Product Review
Blomberg and Beko ventless heat-pump dryers lead the pack in energy performance and also may cause less wear-and-tear on clothing.
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Green Multifamily Cabinetry: Three Top Options
Product Review
Need multifamily millwork that’s attractive, high-quality, domestically manufactured, low-emitting, and sustainably sourced? You’re not alone.
In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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Which Multifamily Buildings Should Be Electrified First?
News Brief
Significant challenges prevent the great majority of existing NYC multifamily buildings from being electrified, but these 480 buildings are prime candidates.
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Housing and Transit: A Match Made in Carbon Cutting Heaven
News Analysis
California’s cap-and-trade program funds affordable housing that helps residents get where they need to go without getting in a car.
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Healthy Building Network Launches Online Forum
News Brief
The forum invites affordable housing designers to join HBN experts and others to ask questions and share information on material health.
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Sustainable Development through Open-Source, Participatory Design
News Brief
Alejandro Aravena wins Gothenburg Award for offering revolutionary strategies for social housing.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Measuring (and Understanding) Humidity
Blog Post
Humidity sensor recommendations for building professionals and homeowners
Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Saying Goodbye to the Office—and Hello to Housing
Spotlight Report
-
The Potential of Prefab: How Modular Construction Can Be Green
Feature Article
Offsite modular construction not only cuts costs and construction times but also benefits people and the planet.
-
Focus on Resilient Housing
Feature Article
A broad look at the opportunities and challenges in providing resilient multifamily housing.
-
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Design: The Goals Are Aligned
Feature Article
Green building is not just for those with means.