OVERVIEW
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.
IN-DEPTH
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Financing Affordable Housing; Not for the Faint of Heart
Feature Short
Because most of the funds are government funds, they are also subject to political pressures.
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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.
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Measuring (and Understanding) Humidity
Blog Post
Humidity sensor recommendations for building professionals and homeowners
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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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Zero-Energy Laws Spur Growth in Passive House Certification
News Brief
Passive House-certified projects surged in North America last year, particularly in Vancouver.
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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.
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Air Pollution Near Kids’ Homes Linked to Lower Grades at School
News Analysis
Academic performance of minority students shows disproportionate effects from air pollution, according to a study in El Paso.
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Fannie Mae Offers Lower Interest Rates to Green Multifamily
News Brief
Multifamily building developers and owners now have a greater financial incentive to pursue green certifications: they’ll be rewarded by Fannie Mae
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First Existing Multifamily Buildings Earn Energy Star Certification
News Analysis
Tenants are saving more than $500 a year in one of the first existing apartment buildings to be certified.