Satellite Housing’s Green Initiatives

Cindy Heavens, Project Manager

Mission

Satellite Housing provides affordable, service-enriched housing that promotes healthy and dignified living for people with limited options.

Developed, manages and provides supportive services to 21 affordable housing communities in the Bay Area.

Natural link between the green movement and the affordable housing industry’s goals of providing inclusive communities that promote income integration and reduce the use resources and strains on infrastructure.

Satellites’ Green Initiatives

Eco-friendly new construction developments

Improve energy efficiency and indoor air and light quality of existing buildings through renovation

Promote use of public and alternative methods of transportation

Encourage residents and staff to follow green living practices

Helios Corner

Helios Corner Apartments1531 University Avenue, Berkeley

Helios Corner80 units of transit-oriented senior housing above ground floor Satellite

home office and Salvation Army Berkeley office

Helios Corner’s Green Elements

Photovoltaic solar energy systemCentral hydronic heating systemCompact, efficient building layout oriented around passive solarFluorescent lamps with motion sensorsLow-VOC carpeting, adhesives and paintsNon-arsenic preservative-treated framingComposite wood joistsDraught-tolerant landscapingTransit-oriented location with supplemental van serviceExceeds Title 24 by over 20%

Acalanes Court

Acalanes Court1988 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek

Acalanes Court17-units of transit-oriented family housing

Acalanes Court’s Green Elements

Photovoltaic solar energy system (95% power take-out of common areas, projected to save $700,000 in energy costs over first 30 years)Passive solar orientationDouble-glazed low-e windowsHigh R-value insulationDraught-tolerant landscapingTransit-oriented locationExceeds Title 24 by over 20%

Reduction in carbon footprint: 60,000 pounds of emissions per year, equivalent to taking 60 cars off the road or planting 23 acres of trees.

Renovations of Existing Buildings

Saint Andrew’s Manor3250 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland

PV system, new windows, higher efficiencyappliances and lighting, low-VOC materials

AFTER

BEFORE

Satellite’s Other Green Activities

Agency-owned fleet of vans for resident transportation

Operation of Newark Paratransit program

Transit-oriented, green home office

Encouragement and incentives for staff and residents to use public transit

Green business practices at all locations

Staff and resident trainings on how to “go green”

Challenges

Development process requires early, specific commitments before all funding is secured and construction bids are received.

New technologies challenging to underwrite and budget against.

More difficult to cover costs in non-tax credit financed developments.

Certification standards evolving but challenging for affordable,multifamily development.

Challenges

Challenging site configurations and locations limits ability to incorporate passive solar and cross-ventilation.

New products can be difficult to source.

Recycling and composting more complex in multifamily developments.

Education of staff and residents a continuous process.

Opportunities

Technology has arrived!

Numerous funding, rebate and technical assistance programs available. Reduces ongoing operating costs.

Greener = happier residents.

Bay Area affordable housing architects and contractors knowledgeable and supportive of green building.

Great PR and way to peak interest in affordable housing cause.

Consistent with mission, the right thing to do.

Thank you