1. GREEN MATERIAL INFORMATION SOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Chad Diep | University of California, San Diego | Urban Studies & Planning Program | cdiep@ucsd.edu RESEARCH QUESTIONS | What types of information are most important for green material implementation in affordable housing and how does it compare to existing sources? Which sources are most comprehensive? SIGNIFICANCE | Affordable housing developers trail behind market-rate developers in terms of green material usage Green materials can reduce waste, toxic fumes /residues produced, and natural resource usage The study examined what features affordable housing developers desire in green material information sources that guide them in their material selection By analyzing the existing sources of green material information and indentifying which are most useful for developers, the study may promote green material usage in affordable housing FINDINGS 1 | Analysis of Existing Sources FINDINGS 2 | Highest Scoring Information Sources METHODS | Interviews with David Hetherington and Sylvia Martinez from Wakeland Housing & Development Compilation of green material information sources into a database using literature review, San Diego Library Circuit, online retailers, and search engines IMAGE SOURCES| Background: www.greendepot.com Findings 2: www.amazon.com ABSTRACT | Current research suggests that usage of green materials in affordable housing is well below levels of demand despite the many benefits that tenants could receive from implementation. The shortage can be attributed to the uncertainties of developers due to a lack of experience and knowledge in using green materials. My research identifies the information sources that make the use of green materials in affordable housing a reality. Through the creation of a green material information database informed by literature research and interviews with two affordable housing developers, the study examines the types of information currently available. It also provides suggestions as to what information sources may be most relevant and useful for green affordable housing. The results may be used as a reference for developers hoping to implement green materials in future affordable housing. Format Number of Sources Initial Cost Life Cycle Cost Durability/ Lifespan Environmental Impact/Health Effects Reviews from Users/History & Reliability Manufacturer & Supplier Information Applications & Usage Book60%16.7%66.7%100%0%66.7%100% Website147.1%0%28.6%50%21.4%100%14.4% Both205% 40%65%15%90%40% Figure 1: Displays the percentage of book, website, or overall information sources that contained each respective information category TitleFormat Initial Cost Life Cycle Cost Durability/ Lifespan Enviro Impact/Health Effects Reviews from Users/History & Reliability Manu & Supplier Info Apps & Usage Total Green Building Supply WebsiteXXXXXX6 Green Building Handbook: A Guide to Building Products and their Impact on the Environment BookXXXXX5 Greener BuildingWebsiteXXXXX5 Figure 2: Highest three scoring green material information sources based on the number of information categories they contained Books overall contained more technical information on green products than websites (i.e. applications, lifespan, environmental/health impacts) Websites contained more non-technical information (i.e. prices, user reviews, manufacturer/supplier information) which is prone to change over time and needs periodic adjustments Website sources were more abundant and easily accessible, but books contained more in-depth information CONCLUSIONS | There are many information sources available to affordable housing developers when it comes to green material selection. By identifying the types of sources currently available and the types of categories of information they contain, developers can be better informed when considering using green materials. By using more comprehensive sources like Green Building Supply, green material implementation can become more widespread. Images via: Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation