Taking place April 28-29, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ, the new NAA Green Conference & Exposition will highlight the opportunities, hurdles and potential pitfalls that have arisen as a result of the green movement.

Because of many factors including rising energy costs, potential global climate change, and general environmental awareness the “green movement” has arrived at a tipping point where it has become impossible to watch television for more than fifteen minutes without viewing content that relates in some way to green. As a result future renters are more likely to seek out properties that are environmentally friendly. In addition to energy cost savings and the profits to be made by capturing green conscience renters, multitudes of governments at the local, state and federal levels have promulgated green regulations that impact the multifamily housing industry. Jurisdictions have enacted new green building codes, incentives, and regulations for the efficient use of energy in the operation of real estate.

First-green-exclusively-affordable-housing-development-in-Harlem

By: Stephen Del Percio

Designed by Dattner Architects (one of the designers on another green affordable Jonathan Rose development, Via Verde in the Bronx), green features at Dinkins Gardens include south-facing solar shades, a Home Depot Foundation-funded green roof, individually ventilated apartments, Energy Star-rated appliances and lighting, and a graywater system that will irrigate landscaping and a community garden. 26 of the units at Dinkins Gardens are reserved for young people who are aging out of foster care. The remainder are set aside for low-income residents earning less than local median income. HCCI is a non-profit interfaith consortium of over 90 congregations that will own and manage the building, which will also include space for the HCCI Construction Trades Academy, a program that trains Harlem residents for careers in the construction industry.