Action Starts at Home: Building Sustainable Neighborhoods and Green Housing for Nantucket Residents

Background

Housing Nantucket Private, non-profit organization Creating sustainable housing opportunities for Nantucket residents Through three areas of focus: –Rental Services –Homeownership Services –Technical Assistance

Our Role in Affordable Housing

What is Affordable Housing? Generally serves those earning below 100% of Area Median Income ($84,400) Housing Needs Covenant serves those earning up to 150% of AMI The residents are town employees, service workers, construction workers, and health workers. Scattered sites – Surfside, Tom Nevers

Why do we need housing? Serves those that cannot fit within the community expectations for costs Provides sustainable, long term housing Provides supportive services for those who may not have access to them Creates a well rounded community

Affordable and Green? One of the most important connections Create solutions between those who earn less and lowering energy costs Housing developers have an opportunity to create holistic visions for their developments Ability to concentrate goals and outcomes for the projects

What are the steps to making green work? Better basic design Better neighborhood development More responsive to community Setting a basic level of “green” Developing a case study

Better Design, Better Neighborhoods

Defining Terms Green Neighborhood – A neighborhood that is: –moderately dense –range of uses –designed for people and pedestrians first –network of paths and streets –human-scaled buildings –pedestrian-oriented street design –“green” elements – network of green spaces, street trees, significant private landscaping (including possibly green roofs) –Buildings are often “green” buildings –Green infrastructure – low-impact stormwater management to district energy systems

Methods for Green Neighborhoods Cluster Development Conservation Subdivision Low-Impact Development Neo-Traditional Design

Envisioning a Green Neighborhood Several criteria can be used Most common criteria is the LEED “standard” Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Developed by the US Green Building Council

The Big D…Density

So, what Density works? New England small towns tend to have between 3 and 10 units per acre depending on the community nature. Nantucket seems to appreciate a density around 4 units per acre Preserves some yard, but generally provides right mix Would work out to 2 units per ½ acre

What does it look like? St. Johnsbury, VT 3.8 units per acre Gives a yard, a garage, and a house Density without overcrowding

Density Sizes 2 acres = 8 units 10 acres = 40 units 15 acres = 60 units It isn’t an efficient use of space to deal with the over 600 units of housing needed.

LEED for ND Criteria The goal is: –Smarter planning –Better use of resources –Better linkages –Incorporation of new technologies –Retention of historical elements –Retention of wetlands and habitats

Green Construction

Building Green “The energy required to operate the heating, cooling, and electrical systems of the typical American house for one year generates more than 26,000 pounds of greenhouse gas – enough to fill the Goodyear blimp.” “Green buildings aren't just good for people and the environment but, if measured against long enough time frames, they make sound financial investments both in terms of reduced maintenance and operational costs as well as increased worker productivity.” (Or resident retention.)

LEED for Homes A “distilled” version of LEED for New Construction Less stringent, more responsive Less Cost Same basic areas of concern

But it Costs too much! “...a report commissioned by California's Sustainable Building Task Force, an upfront investment of two percent of construction costs will typically yield life cycle savings of over ten times the value of the intial investment.” However, most developers aren't interested in life cycle savings - it works for homeowners and those in it for the “long haul,” such as affordable housing developers.

Ways to Go Green Simple changes Flooring Paints Appliances HVAC Site Planning

Above all - Communicate Communication is the key Its not as hard as it sounds But it might take some stepping out of your traditional way of operating Don’t make green a different layer – incorporate it into everything.

LEED-ing The Way 2 Clarendon Street (Berkley Street Side)

LEED Standard Minimum LEED for Homes Certified Attempt for LEED for Homes Silver Project will: –Be super-insulated & energy efficient –Durable & easy to maintain –Have good air quality for tenants –Conserve natural resources –A showcase for the Island

LEED for Homes Requires use of LEED professionals and a third party verification process Home Depot Foundation provides funding to cover costs of verification process Will be the first LEED for Homes rated building on Nantucket and an early affordable housing unit in country rated this way

Infill Location

Compact Design

Site Planning Building oriented for best passive solar Native plantings Limited driveway materials Minimized turf areas Shared well Alternative septic system

Construction Details Using insulated concrete forms to minimize material waste Speeds up construction process Will use waste management systems

Insulation & Energy ICFs all have high energy ratings Will ensure lower fuel bills for tenants Will ensure better sound quality Will ensure better air quality Windows will be double pane for best U value

Heating / Ventilation / AC Unit will use radiant heat – with a solar heating system Tankless water heater will be used PEX style plumbing systems (HDPE) Kitchen & bath will use vents to ensure good indoor air quality

Interior Materials Low-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) paints All lighting to be Energy Star rated Bamboo flooring (hardwood) Natural linoleum Recycled PET carpeting

Kitchen & Bath Energy Star rated appliances Low flow toilets and sinks Aerators, tap savers, and low flow shower heads

Getting closer to finish!

Other Examples Greensburg, KS –Community wide green neighborhood planning –Implementation of all civic buildings as green Cobb Hill CoHousing, VT –Green buildings, rural landscape Orchard Gardens, MT –Strawbale building –Affordable housing development

Examples

Thanks for your interest! Together we can make housing, green, and Nantucket work together.