The Green Affordable Housing Coalition (GAHC) is a joint project of Build It Green and Bay Area LISC and brings together public-sector and private-sector professionals who are committed to incorporating green building practices into the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of affordable housing. Through education and outreach, the Coalition promotes the creation of buildings that:

• Are integrated to the site and region
• Use energy, water and materials wisely
• Minimize and recycle construction waste
• Create their own energy
• Are durable and easily maintained
• Promote good health for both workers and residents
• Enhance housing affordability.

Success in this endeavor will produce economic and quality-of-life benefits for tenants, improve the financial bottom line for property owners, and generate economic and environmental benefits for the local, regional, and world community.

--> Download Green Affordable Housing Coalition fact sheet (.pdf)

Benefits of participation

• Hear about the latest green building products & technologies
• Network with other affordable housing developers and building professionals
• Develop educational tools and resources that your agency or organization can use to improve the quality of affordable housing
• Collaborate on initiatives to facilitate the adoption of green building practices in affordable housing projects in California

Requirements for becoming an Affiliate

Participation in the GAHC is available only to affordable housing developers and building professionals with an affordable housing focus. Build It Green Company Membership is encouraged but not required.

--> Apply online to become a Build It Green Member

Chapter and meeting information

Build It Green currently supports one Green Affordable Housing Coalition in Northern California.

The Coalition meets regularly throughout the year. Meeting locations, agendas, and other information are available only to affiliates in the login-protected GAHC area.

--> Stay tuned for a list of Green Affordable Housing Coalition Affiliates
--> Stay tuned for unveiling of the login-protected Green Affordable Housing Coalition area

Past Meetings

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - Mechanical Systems: Reliable and efficient space conditioning and water heating systems

The topic for this brown bag meeting centered on technical considerations for selecting energy efficient mechanical equipment for an affordable housing project. A panel of engineers and property owners discussed efficient water heating and space conditioning
system options for Bay Area multifamily housing projects, specifically highlighting the design, costs, and reliability of these systems.

Panel participants and presenters:

• Moderator/Systems Overview: Heather Larson, HMG/CMFNH Program Manager

• Panelists:
  • Engineer - Dave Penney, Consulting Engineer, DPC
  • Consulting Property Owner/Manager - Dan Levine, Director of Construction Administration, John Stewart Company
  • Manufacturer/Supplier - Bob Polizzi, Cal Hydronic
  • Cost Estimator - Mohammed Hakimi, J.H. Fitzmaurice inc.

Heather Larson's technology overview presentation and Bob Polizzi's presentation on systems options are both available for download in PDF format.

Multifamily Space and Water Heating Technology Overview

Mechanical Systems Options and Considerations

Become an Affiliate

Apply to become a Green Affordable Housing Coalition Affiliate or attend meetings as a guest:

--> Download the GAHC Affiliate Application Form (.doc)

For questions, please contact either:

Bruce Mast, Build It Green | 510.845.0472 ext. 111
Jennifer Somers, Bay Area LISC | 415.397.7322 ext. 28

The Green Affordable Housing Coalition is thankful for the generous support from Citi for our 2008 meetings.