San Diego County Builds Affordable Green Housing Complex

A green-built, government-financed, affordable-housing complex

Greenscaping isn't all about native plants -- Solara includes landscaping that is edible; including sage, rosemary and lemon trees. Edible landscaping has a long history in California as community gardens, victory gardens and even container gardens have always supplemented incomes for home gardeners.

“It's really an innovative project. It serves as a living, breathing program to serve as a model,” said Adam Gottlieb of the California Energy Commission. “Not only are they building smart and fighting climate change, but they are reducing greenhouse gases for the rest of us.”

The energy commission subsidized the $18.5 million Solara complex to help create a working example for developers in the public and private sectors on how to build cheap and green. They've created a lasting resource that writes the book on environmental public policy.

Affordable-housing Developers

The city of 50,000 residents is expected to follow the green wave in future public housing projects, six of which are in the pipeline.

Pedestrian Communities Save Transportation Expenses

Global Green, Resource for Planning and Financial Assistance

• Fluorescent lighting is one of the many energy-efficient features at Solara.
• Air conditioners at the 56-unit complex use non-Freon coolant.
• The apartments also have energy-saving, tankless water heaters.
• The shade structures for the carports hold the solar panels that convert the sun's rays into electricity.
• Position of the buildings were shifted to take advantage of natural breezes and designed window openings to offer cooling cross-ventilation.
• Double-paned windows restrict temperature loss.
• Roofs use heat-reflecting materials
• Attics and walls are filled with nontoxic, formaldehyde-free insulation.
• There are energy-saving, tankless water heaters and dual-flush toilets.
• Threaded through the complex is eye-catching public art, all using recycled materials.
• In the community center, which features a computer lab where after-school tutoring programs will be held, there's a large kaleidoscope filled with glittering bits of broken glass that children can turn like a bicycle wheel.

SOURCE: Eco-friendly units were designed for low-income families
By Lisa Petrillo
UNION-TRIBUNE

RESOURCES:

Global Green USA

• Stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities.
• Eliminating weapons of mass destruction that threaten lives and the environment.
• Providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water. President Gorbachev founded the organization in order to create a new approach to solving the world's most pressing environmental challenges by reconnecting humanity to the environment.

Community Housing Works

California Energy Commission's renewable energy program

• Developing and implementing energy efficiency building standards that help ensure comfort and affordability
• Identifying and developing ways to streamline energy use in agriculture, manufacturing, water systems, and processing functions
• Letting Californians know that using energy wisely is a good investment in the economy and the environment
• Analyzing demand and consumption trends to assist in policy decisions
• Assist Schools (K-12), Public Colleges & Hospitals, Local Government, and others to identify and implement energy efficiency measures.