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Green Building Sourcebook

A new initiative encourages the use of sustainable, green building techniques and materials in the development of affordable housing in the region. As part of this initiative, the HOME Consortium is developing a Green Building Sourcebook to provide information and resources for people interested in learning more about building sustainable, affordable housing.

Meeting our present needs without compromising the needs of future generations is at the heart of sustainable development. The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission is committed to regional planning linking land use, affordable housing, the economy and the environment with the goal of developing sustainable communities. The Sourcebook is designed to be an interactive resource. If you have information that you would like to add, please contact Bill Wanner at .

Components

Green building is good for the environment, promotes health and safety, and is often more affordable than conventional building over the long-term. "Green building" means using environmentally sound building materials and techniques, using energy and other resources efficiently (recycling and reusing materials, when possible) and fostering a sense of community in the design of buildings. Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly green building materials and techniques contributes to the long-term health, vitality, and sustainability of the region. Click here for a list of components of green building.

Benefits

In addition to the environmental, health, and safety benefits of green building, residents benefit from increased affordability through lower energy costs from heating and air conditioning, less water consumption, lower costs from waste disposal, and reduced long-term maintenance. (more…)

Simple steps

There are many things you can do to Green Your Home including replacing thermostats, choosing energy efficient appliances, and replacing windows and doors. These simple steps can help you increase energy efficiency, decrease utility bills, and provide healthier indoor air quality in your home. (more…)

Affordable Green Building Design

Green building improves energy efficiency, conserves resources, and improves indoor air quality. Whether you are building a new home or retrofitting an existing home, there are many different ways to promote affordable green building design.(more...)

Energy and Resource Efficient Products and Materials

Each of the links below contains information and definitions about the types of products and materials to choose for your home to make it healthier, more energy efficient, and more affordable over the long term.

Products available locally... (74 KB)

Heating and Cooling
Lighting
Appliances
Insulation

Construction Standards

The Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission and partner non-profit housing foundations (Albemarle Housing Improvement Program, Fluvanna/Louisa Housing Foundation, Piedmont Housing Alliance, Skyline Community Action Program serving Greene County; and the Nelson Community Development Foundation), and the Blue Ridge Home Builders Association have adopted EarthCraft House construction standards for green housing. The full EarthCraft™ standards may be reviewed at the following website:

http://www.southface.org/web/earthcraft_house/ech_main/ech_guidelines.htm

Examples of Local Affordable Green Building

Several non-profit organizations in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District are building green. Here are two examples:

The Piedmont Housing Alliance has built and remodeled several homes in the 10th and Page neighborhood in the City of Charlottesville. Models of efficiency, these homes use most of the green building techniques citied in this Sourcebook. The design of these homes pays careful attention to the architecture of existing homes in this neighborhood and uses them as models for their work. In so doing, the homes fit nicely into the neighborhood. For general information about the Piedmont Housing Alliance visit www.avenue.org/pha.
The Albemarle Housing Improvement Program has developed a small subdivision, called Camp Springs, in the Esmont area of Albemarle County. These homes are both affordable and highly efficient and built with the most up-to-date green building materials available. Camp Springs won Virginia's highest award for housing at the Governors Housing Conference for its innovative approach to affordable housing. For general information about the Albemarle Housing Improvement Program visit www.ahipva.org.