As the demand for sustainable housing continues to grow, developers have a unique opportunity to create environmentally conscious and affordable communities. By incorporating various sustainable strategies, such as passive solar heating, geothermal heating, community solar electricity, rainwater catchment, community graywater systems, permeable paving, street trees, and pollinator gardens, developers can not only reduce the environmental impact of their projects but also provide long-term benefits to residents.
Developer Guide for building a city block of affordable sustainable housing.
- Site Analysis and Planning: Before starting any construction, conduct a thorough site analysis to understand the local climate, solar exposure, prevailing winds, and other environmental factors. This information will guide the design process and help determine the most effective sustainable strategies for your specific location.
- Passive Solar Heating: Begin by implementing passive solar design principles. Orient the buildings to maximize solar exposure, with south-facing windows to capture sunlight during the winter months. Incorporate thermal mass materials, such as concrete or brick, into the building design to absorb and store heat from the sun, releasing it gradually to regulate indoor temperature.
- Geothermal Heating: Consider incorporating a geothermal heating system. This technology harnesses the stable temperature of the Earth to heat and cool buildings efficiently. By installing geothermal heat pumps, you can tap into the Earth’s natural heat reservoir, reducing reliance on traditional heating and cooling systems and minimizing energy costs for residents.
- Community Solar Electricity: Integrate community solar electricity systems to provide renewable energy to the entire city block. Develop a solar farm or install solar panels on rooftops to generate clean electricity. Implement a shared solar model that allows residents to collectively benefit from the energy produced, reducing individual electricity bills and promoting community-wide sustainability.
- Rainwater Catchment: Design a rainwater catchment system to capture and store rainwater for various uses. Install rain barrels or cisterns to collect water from rooftops and other surfaces. This water can then be utilized for irrigation, flushing toilets, or other non-potable purposes, reducing the strain on municipal water supplies and lowering utility costs.
- Community Graywater Systems: Implement community graywater systems to treat and reuse wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry facilities. Graywater can be filtered and reused for irrigation, reducing the demand for freshwater. Design the plumbing infrastructure to divert graywater to a centralized treatment system that provides recycled water for landscaping and other non-potable needs.
- Permeable Paving: Utilize permeable paving techniques for roads, sidewalks, and parking areas. Permeable surfaces allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies and reducing stormwater runoff. This helps prevent flooding and minimizes the strain on local stormwater infrastructure.
- Street Trees and Pollinator Gardens: Integrate street trees and pollinator gardens throughout the city block. Trees provide shade, improve air quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect. Pollinator gardens support biodiversity and contribute to the health of local ecosystems. Incorporate native plant species to promote resilience and reduce maintenance requirements.
Developing a sustainable city block of affordable housing requires thoughtful planning and integration of various eco-friendly strategies. Developers can create vibrant communities that prioritize environmental stewardship while providing affordable housing options for residents. By investing in sustainable practices from the beginning, developers can contribute to a more sustainable future and set an example for others in the industry.
In Saint Louis, various sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives, organizations, and communities in the city promote environmentally conscious practices include:
- The Sustainable Backyard Network: This organization encourages sustainable practices among residents, including organic gardening, composting, and rainwater harvesting.
- Gateway Greening: It is a nonprofit organization that promotes community gardening, urban agriculture, and environmental education in St. Louis.
- The Missouri Botanical Garden: This renowned botanical garden is committed to promoting sustainable horticulture, environmental conservation, and research.
- EarthDance Organic Farm School: Located just outside of St. Louis in Ferguson, EarthDance is an organic farm that offers educational programs and apprenticeships in organic farming and sustainable living.
These organizations provide valuable resources, education, and support for individuals and communities interested in sustainable living practices in the Saint Louis area.