Believe it or not, condominiums may be some of the most environmentally responsible housing out there today, especially since more and more developers are paying attention to sustainability from the get-go.
By their very nature, many condo complexes adhere to some of the most basic tenets of green housing: density, to maximize surrounding open space and minimize buildings’ physical and operational footprints; proximity to mass transit, given their typical location in urban areas; and reduced resource use per unit, thanks to shared systems, walls and common spaces. Builders can elect to layer on other green elements, such as high-efficiency appliances and HVAC systems, green roofs and organic landscaping.
But not all developers need to break the bank to go green on their condo and apartment projects. Two-thirds of the units in Harlem’s much-publicized 1400 Fifth Avenue building—touted as New York’s first green condominium, are considered affordable, priced at $50,000 to $104,000 and restricted to families of moderate income. Also in the New York metropolitan area, Habitat for Humanity recently announced it has assembled a green design team to build “real affordable condos” in New Rochelle and other parts of Westchester County
This is great information. Around here in San Francisco, though, condos run about $800K to $1.5 million each. So, I had always thought that condos were a terrible waste of money! I didn’t really think about how environmentally responsible they can be.
Now that I think about it, I have heard about local developers, who are building eco-friendly complexes. I just wish that they’d also try to make ’em halfway affordable around here. I’m glad to hear that there are such complexes like the one in Harlem, eco-friendly–but not absrudly expensive.
I agree with you…maybe when Obama wins there will be some incentive for contractors to actually do these types of living units all over.
Thank you
Anytime…a good idea is always a joy to post on.