The Need for Sustainable Housing: Building a Greener Future for All

As the population in the United States continues to grow, so does the demand for housing. However, traditional housing construction and management methods often come with a high environmental and social cost. The need for sustainable housing is more pressing than ever. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sustainable housing is, why there are so few sustainable homes, and how AVLV Architecture I Development is working to design and develop sustainable housing.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE?

Sustainable housing refers to the practice of designing, building, and managing homes and communities in an environmentally responsible manner. It aims to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and improve social outcomes such as affordability and access to housing.

Environmental Impact of Traditional Housing

Buildings account for about 35% of global energy consumption and 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional housing practices such as inefficient design, non-renewable energy sources, and wasteful water usage contribute significantly to this environmental impact. Sustainable housing practices such as energy-efficient design, renewable energy, and water-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of buildings.

Social Benefits of Sustainable Housing

Sustainable housing can also provide a variety of social benefits such as improved affordability and access to housing. Additionally, sustainable housing reduces the local impact of energy, water, and waste agencies. Building sustainably often leads to a better quality of life because the building materials and construction methods used are much safer and effective. However, these benefits are often overlooked due to a lack of education and know-how among contractors and developers throughout the industry.

Why are There So Few Sustainable Homes?

There are several reasons why there are so few sustainable homes in the United States. One reason is a lack of education and know-how among contractors and developers. Sustainable housing practices require specialized knowledge and expertise, which is not always readily available. Another reason is the misconception that sustainable housing is more expensive than traditional housing. Most people are not aware of the variety of sustainable building methods that can be explored. While there may be higher upfront costs, the long-term benefits and cost savings of sustainable housing can far outweigh these costs.

How AVLV is Building Sustainable Housing?

AVLV Architecture I Development is a vertically integrated sustainable architecture and real estate development firm that specializes in sustainable + mixed income single, multifamily, and mixed-use developments. We offer cost-effective sustainable architecture services to developer clients and sustainable real estate investment opportunities to investor clients. We believe that sustainable housing is the key to building a better future for all.

AVLV’s approach to sustainable housing involves using a range of design strategies, construction techniques, and management practices. Some examples of sustainable housing features include passive solar design, energy-efficient appliances, renewable energy, water-efficient fixtures, and sustainable materials. Our sustainable housing developments also prioritize community development, with features such as communal spaces, public transportation accessibility, and walkability.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable housing and AVLV’s approach to building sustainable communities, please contact us for more information.