HBA of CT sponsors "Green and Affordable: Can Our Homes Be Both?" seminar


The Partnership for Strong Communities hosted a seminar on green and affordable housing on May 22.  As one of the sponsors, the HBA of CT joined with a diverse group of participants in a discussion on the benefits of and barriers to making affordable housing more green in Connecticut. 

The seminar began with a report on what's happening in green affordable housing from several perspectives:  Charles Rothenberger,CT Fund for the Environment, talked about the need for linking affordable housing with mass transit, Dara Kovel, from Jonathan Rose Company reported on several green afforable home projects in New Haven and Stamford; and Doug Foy, Serrafix, talked about innovative strategies for reducing energy use and recapturing excess energy capacity in commercial buildings.
 

A panel discussion entitled "How can Connecticut encourage more green affordable housing?" followed.  Represntatives of the HBA of CT participated along with representatives from the CT Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), CT Housing Coalition, a sustainability consultant, and a green builder.  The discussion was moderated by state Representative Steve Fontana (D-North Haven, and co-chair of the legislature's Energy & Technology Committee). 

Rafael talked about the NAHB's Green Building Program, nahbgreen.org, and the various elements that allow homeowners and builders to choose the green features most important to them.  He noted that while the NAHB's program was similar to the LEED program, the HBA of CT preferred to let the marketplace drive the programs rather than government mandates. 

Representatives from CHFA and the CT Housing Coaltion talked about the need to keep a practical and appropriate approach to green in affordable housing, with an eye toward reducing the energy costs to operate the home and creating a healthy living environment. 

DECD Commissioner Joan McDonald closed the meeting by talking about barriers to building affordable green housing and what her agency is doing to facilitate the process to encourage building green and affordable homes.  

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