More Solutions for Housing Affordability

When most people think about affordable housing, we generally think about subsidized rent. But utility cost is also a factor in affordability. That’s where Passive House design comes in. Cutting the tenant's utility cost by 2/3 makes a significant contribution to affordability. Rolling the electric cost into the rent, eliminating one more monthly bill, reduces the tenant's financial stress and makes the building more livable.

In a recent Bloomberg article, John Woelfling of Dattner Architects says, "Thanks to its Passive House features, Chestnut Commons enjoys a 70% reduction in energy costs. An energy recovery ventilation system in each apartment raises efficiency, while highly insulated units prevent outside temperatures from intruding. These lower costs drive down utility bills for residents and make the building more environmentally friendly."

ICF Construction is a fast and easy way to achieve super energy efficiency called for in Passive House design. In fact, Polycrete engineers have developed a suite of products geared directly to Passive House, including R-Stack supplemental insulation, insulated window bucks, and non-thermal bridging starter bases. Click here to learn about a Polycrete Passive House multifamily in Brooklyn, NY.

Contact us today to learn about our commitments to affordable housing and how concrete construction increases energy efficiency and lowers operating expenses in multi-family construction.