Green and Healthy Housing

There are various approaches to “green building.” The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) described it generally as “the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition” (see http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/about.htm). Traditionally, the focus of green building programs has been on maximizing energy and water efficiency, selecting “environmentally preferable” products and materials, and minimizing the effects of development on the outdoor environment. Many proponents of the concept have also emphasized the potential of green building to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with resulting benefits to occupant health.

NCHH received funding from the Home Depot Foundation to build the capacity of affordable housing providers in the area of green and healthy housing. As part of this project, NCHH developed several resources, including fact sheets, case studies, and videos.

NCHH placed special emphasis on “greening” the more than 100 million existing housing units, particularly affordable housing units, across the country, the goal being to create new opportunities to retrofit existing housing to provide high-quality, durable homes that also promote health. This project enabled NCHH to develop the tools for our partners to improve both housing and health status, which is why the green building effort is so important.

Nuevo Amanecer – The Greening of a Farmworker Community [pdf] Viking Terrace – The Advent of a Green Community [pdf] Wheeler Terrace – Rebuilding a Community Through Healthy Green Innovation [pdf] Seattle High Point – A New Prescription for Asthma Sufferers: Healthier Homes [pdf] Two Shades of Green: Saving Money and Protecting Public Health in Affordable Housing [pdf]

Radon-Resistant Construction: Low-Rise Multi-Family Housing [pdf] Improving Ventilation in Multi-Family Buildings that Do Not Have Fan-Powered Ventilation [pdf] Improving Ventilation in Existing or New Buildings with Central Roof Exhaust [pdf] Improving Ventilation New and Existing Multifamily Unit Buildings with Individual Unit Ventilation Systems [pdf] Green and Healthy Housing Priorities for Homeowners [pdf] Potential Chemicals Found in Building Materials [url] Building Product Standards [url]

Creating Healthy, Green, and Affordable Housing (Part 1) [wmv] Creating Healthy, Green, and Affordable Housing (Part 2) [wmv] Creating Healthy, Green, and Affordable Housing (Part 3) [wmv] A Healthy Home Assessment [wmv] EnergyPlusHealth – Including Health in Your Home’s Energy Retrofit [wmv] Healthy Tips for Basic Home Maintenance [wmv] Healthy Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling [wmv]

Live Online Event: Reasons to Explore Smoke-Free Housing
Live Online Event: Green Communities – Radon-Resistant Construction Activities
Online Forum: Healthy Living Environment