Super Eco

Photo credit: blatje, SXC

Green building isn't just for the rich. Nope, true green design is an affordable—and desirable—way to build for everyone. Want an example? Have a look at New York's Intervale Green housing development, a 128-unit complex for low-income families in the South Bronx. It's one of many new and planned green housing developments designed for low-income residents around the country, and it includes green features that could easily be applied to ALL new construction.

• donated and recycled materials
• Energy Star appliances
• VOC-free building materials
• high efficiency heating, ventilation, and insulation (reducing fuel usage for heat and hot water by 85%)
• triple-paned windows
• smart thermostats
• roof garden for veggies and flowers
• storm water runoff retention
• public art

The energy-efficient design is projected to reduce residents' utility costs by 30% on average, which is a fair chunk of change and makes a difference both to the pocketbook and to the environment. And if this building—and others like it—are easily incorporating green touches that make a difference, why isn't ALL building like this? We don't need waterless urinals and waterfall windows to make a building green. We need simple, affordable designs that are within reach of everyone.

The new federal stimulus package includes funding to support green building like Intervale Green as well as better weatherization of existing homes. This is a great investment—increased energy efficiency affects the wallet immediately and in the long term helps move us away from being an oil-dependent economy. It also increases mindfulness and attention to the creation of a lifestyle that treads more lightly upon the planet.