Energy-efficient affordable housing

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Energy-efficient affordable housing

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June 2, 2007 -- What's being heralded by experts as "the first of its kind in the state, and possibly the nation" is Solara: "a green-built, government-financed, affordable-housing complex that's virtually climate neutral, constructed with minimum pollution and maximum energy efficiency. Even the landscaping is edible; Solara's grounds include sage and rosemary and lemon trees."

Solara's 56 units are built to accommodate the needs of low-to moderate-income families by not only leasing its 1-3 bedroom apartments at 40% below market prices, but also by eliminating the cost of utility bills altogether. But that is not all, according to Krissy Toft of Poway's Redevelopment Agency "[We've ] created a lasting resource that writes the book on environmental public policy. We're setting the bar."

With six more public housing projects in the works for San Diego, and some "13% of San Diego's workforce earning less than $20,000 per year" we can't afford to give Solara anything less than our fevered support and enthusiasm.

Original story:

By Lisa Petrillo
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

SOLARA'S ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATIONS

Carport shade structures that hold solar panels to convert the sun's
rays into electricity that powers virtually the entire complex

Buildings situated to take advantage of southern exposure

Windows offering cooling cross-ventilation

Tankless water heaters

Water-saving dual-flush toilets

Dual-paned windows

Heat-reflecting roofs

Nontoxic formaldehyde-free insulation

Non-Freon-fueled air conditioners

INFORMATION ON BUILDING GREEN

Global Green USA at www.globalgreen.org or at

(310) 581-2700

Community Housing Works at www.community
housingworks.org or at (619) 282-6647

California Energy Commission's renewable energy program at www.energy.ca.gov or at (800) 555-7794