GREEN MATERIAL INFORMATION SOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Chad Diep | University of California, San...
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Transcript of GREEN MATERIAL INFORMATION SOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Chad Diep | University of California, San...
GREEN MATERIAL INFORMATION SOURCES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSINGChad Diep | University of California, San Diego | Urban Studies & Planning Program | [email protected]
RESEARCH QUESTIONS | What types of information are most important for green material implementation in affordable housing and how does it compare to existing sources? Which sources are most comprehensive?
SIGNIFICANCE |
• Affordable housing developers trail behind market-rate developers in terms of green material usage •Green materials can reduce waste, toxic fumes /residues produced, and natural resource usage
• The study examined what features affordable housing developers desire in green material information sources that guide them in their material selection
• By analyzing the existing sources of green material information and indentifying which are most useful for developers, the study may promote green material usage in affordable housing
FINDINGS 1 | Analysis of Existing Sources
FINDINGS 2 | Highest Scoring Information Sources
METHODS |
• Interviews with David Hetherington and Sylvia Martinez from Wakeland Housing & Development
• Compilation of green material information sources into a database using literature review, San Diego Library Circuit, online retailers, and search engines
IMAGE SOURCES|
Background: www.greendepot.com
Findings 2: www.amazon.com
ABSTRACT |
Current research suggests that usage of green materials in affordable housing is well below levels of demand despite the many benefits that tenants could receive from implementation. The shortage can be attributed to the uncertainties of developers due to a lack of experience and knowledge in using green materials. My research identifies the information sources that make the use of green materials in affordable housing a reality. Through the creation of a green material information database informed by literature research and interviews with two affordable housing developers, the study examines the types of information currently available. It also provides suggestions as to what information sources may be most relevant and useful for green affordable housing. The results may be used as a reference for developers hoping to implement green materials in future affordable housing.
FormatNumber
of Sources
Initial Cost
Life Cycle Cost
Durability/Lifespan
Environmental Impact/Health
Effects
Reviews from Users/History &
Reliability
Manufacturer & Supplier
Information
Applications & Usage
Book 6 0% 16.7% 66.7% 100% 0% 66.7% 100%
Website 14 7.1% 0% 28.6% 50% 21.4% 100% 14.4%
Both 20 5% 5% 40% 65% 15% 90% 40%
Figure 1: Displays the percentage of book, website, or overall information sources that contained each respective information category
Title FormatInitial Cost
Life Cycle Cost
Durability/Lifespan
Enviro Impact/Health
Effects
Reviews from Users/History & Reliability
Manu & Supplier Info
Apps &
UsageTotal
Green Building Supply
Website X X X X X X 6
Green Building Handbook: A
Guide to Building
Products and their Impact on
the Environment
Book X X X X X 5
Greener Building Website X X X X X 5
Figure 2: Highest three scoring green material information sources based on the number of information categories they contained
• Books overall contained more technical information on green products than websites (i.e. applications, lifespan, environmental/health impacts)
• Websites contained more non-technical information (i.e. prices, user reviews, manufacturer/supplier information) which is prone to change over time and needs periodic adjustments
• Website sources were more abundant and easily accessible, but books contained more in-depth information
CONCLUSIONS |
There are many information sources available to affordable housing developers when it comes to green material selection. By identifying the types of sources currently available and the types of categories of information they contain, developers can be better informed when considering using green materials. By using more comprehensive sources like Green Building Supply, green material implementation can become more widespread.
Images via: Wakeland Housing & Development Corporation