The Effects of Energy EfficientDesign and Construction onLIHTC Housing in Virginia

Housing Virginia’s Study• Partners: Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research and EarthCraft Virginia

• Collected utility usage data & behavior surveys

• 15 LIHTC apartment communities (family & senior, new construction & rehab) throughout Virginia

Energy CostsThe cost of residential electricity for the consumer (resident) has risen by 31% in Virginia since 2001

U.S Energy Information Administration, Electricity Data Browser, 2015

Energy Costs• Energy cost burden (percentage of housing cost going to energy ) for median income household = 13%

• Energy cost burden for low-income household = 25% or more

• Of the energy consumed, over 40% of the cost goes to space heating and air conditioning

Findings: Energy Savings Average tenant saved 464 kWh per month = $54 per month ($648/year)

*For the State of Virginia

Findings: Energy Savings Apartments in the study:

• Use 40% less energy than housing built to existing code requirements

• Performed 17% better than forecast in the model

Findings: Behavioral

SurveyResident survey reveals that additional savings could be achieved with improved education/incentive programs

Findings: Behavioral Survey• Most residents hand-washed dishes and kept windows open during most of the year

• The majority of residents reported not receiving adequate education on the energy efficiency technologies in their units

• Thermostat settings:• 72-75°(winter)• 68-72°(summer)

Conducting resident education experimental design study using traditional & alternative methods

Next Steps: Resident Education

Traditional approach = Testing the effectiveness of several different direct resident education models

• In-home, one-on-one education

• Group classes

• Video / other virtual educational modalities

Traditional approach = Testing the effectiveness of several different direct resident education models

• In-home, one-on-one education

• Group classes

• Video / other virtual educational modalities

Alternative approach = innovative energy saving incentives

• In-home devices (that monitor and help manage energy consumption)

• Providing energy savings “up front”

• Competitions for “lowest bill” or “most improved” among residents

Alternative approach = innovative energy saving incentives

• In-home devices (that monitor and help manage energy consumption)

• Providing energy savings “up front”

• Competitions for “lowest bill” or “most improved” among residents

Cost-benefit analysis of green vs. non-green developments in Virginia

Next Steps: Cost-Benefit Analysis

Cost of EE

features

Cost of EE

features

Savings from EE features

Savings from EE features

Expansion of current study over volume & time + Implementation of VHDA-required utility release program

Next Steps: Expanded Scope

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