There are various approaches to "green building." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes it generally as "the practice of creating and using healtheir and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition" (see http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/about.htm). Traditionally, the focus of green building programs has been on maximizing energy and water efficiency, selecting "environmentally preferable" products and materials, and minimizing the effects of development on the outdoor environment. Many proponents of the concept have also emphasized the potential of green building to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) with resulting benefits to occupant health.
NCHH received funding from the Home Depot Foundation to build the capacity of affordable housing providers in the area of green and healthy housing. As part of this project, NCHH developed several resources, including fact sheets, case studies and videos.
NCHH is placing special emphasis on “greening” the more than 100 million existing housing units, particularly affordable housing units, across the country, the goal being to create new opportunities to retrofit existing housing to provide high-quality, durable homes that also promote health. This project enabled NCHH to develop the tools for our partners to improve both housing and health status, which is why the green building effort is so important.