Porter Road Apartments
Columbia Street Apartments
Two of ZED’s multifamily affordable housing projects in Cambridge, MA - Porter Road Apartments and Columbia Street Apartments - recently gained Enterprise Green Communities certification! This certification program aims to promote the creation of sustainable, healthy, and environmentally responsible affordable housing.
The Enterprise Green Communities Certification is a comprehensive green building framework designed specifically for affordable housing developments in the United States. Gaining certification can be challenging, as it requires comprehensive adherence to a set of rigorous standards that cover various aspects of building design, construction and operation. Here are some key aspects of the certification:
Holistic Approach: The certification addresses various aspects of building and community design, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of eco-friendly materials.
Criteria for Certification: Projects seeking certification must meet specific criteria that cover integrative design, location and neighborhood fabric, site improvements, water conservation, energy efficiency, materials beneficial to the environment, healthy living environment, and operations, maintenance, and resident engagement.
Benefit for Residents: The primary goal is to improve the health and well-being of low-income residents while reducing environmental impacts and operating costs.
Application and Process: Developers of affordable housing projects must adhere to the certification standards from the planning stages through construction and operation to achieve certification. The process involves planning, implementing, documenting, and reviewing strategies that meet the certification criteria.
Support and Resources: Enterprise provides various resources, including guidelines, case studies, and tools, to assist developers in understanding and meeting the certification requirements.
This certification plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability in the sector of affordable housing, ensuring that these benefits reach communities that often have fewer resources to invest in sustainable development.
To learn more, check out the Enterprise website.