Villages recognized as one of the “coolest” projects in LA!
We are pleased to report that last night the Villages at Cabrillo was recognized as one of the “Coolest” projects in Los Angeles by Climate Resolve, a nonprofit advocacy group dedicating to addressing climate change in Los Angeles. We were recognized amongst LA County Supervisor Sheila Keuhl along with a group of other impressive businesses that are each addressing climate change in a unique way. If you’re interested in learning more about our co-honorees, click here. Here’s a link to the video presentation from last night’s event: http://climateresolve.org/coolest/ Our profile starts at about 2:47 into the video.
The link between affordable housing and climate change may not be obvious nor fully apparent but there are a number of key linkages. Here are just a few ways in which the creation of affordable housing is addressing the effects of climate change:
- Driven by funding requirements and the philosophical commitment of project sponsors, affordable housing is often some of the most energy efficient and green building stock out there. Since buildings consume some 40% of our country’s energy demands, more efficient buildings help to mitigate demand for energy that is often produced by burning of fossil fuels. These days, affordable buildings often feature solar PV arrays, solar thermal hot water heating, high efficiency air filtration, energy efficient windows, recycled content and natural materials, cool roofs and more. Cabrillo Gateway’s recent LEED Platinum designation is a prime example of this type of energy efficient and sustainable building.
- Research demonstrates that low income populations drive 50% few miles when residing in housing that is within ¼ of a mile of high quality transit. Fewer vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) means less traffic, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less smog, etc. Click here for a report that discusses this critical link which has been used to help create the State’s Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities AHSC program.
- Research also demonstrates that climate change does not affect all populations equally. Lower income communities around the State are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, including heat-induced stresses, air quality challenges, economic displacement, and more. Driven by the landmark SB 535 legislation, the State is required to invest in these very communities and mitigate/reduce the effects of climate change. The State’s Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities program is investing 20% of Cap-and-Trade auction proceeds (this year the 20% equates to approximately $400 million) in the creation of transit-connected affordable housing with a commitment to expending at least 50% of these proceeds on projects in disadvantaged communities. Our Anchor Place project is a recent awardee of the State’s AHSC program.
