Some people seem to believe that building a green home can be considerably more costly than building a standard home, but a recent development on the East Coast speaks to the contrary. In looking to create a new affordable housing project in the South Bronx, state officials (and the city of New York) wanted to create a place that was not only financially viable, but also environmentally responsible.

Morrisania Homes was the result of this ambition, strongly demonstrating that affordable housing could also be sustainable and “green” too. The goal was to create an affordable housing project that is also clean and healthy for all those involved. The net result is really quite stunning.

All of the appliances installed in Morrisania Homes have the ENERGY STAR rating, significantly reducing the energy needs of the housing complex. In fact, the overall energy consumption is reduced by a full 30 percent as a result of the ENERGY STAR appliances and other initiatives. For example, all of the lighting fixtures are highly efficient and the carpeting is fully recyclable.

Water use has also been significant reduced with the installation of lower-flow toilets, shower heads, and sink faucets. Further still, there is significant background ventilation and there are no fireplaces, improving the air quality for the residents. Even the building materials in these green homes are environmentally sustainable, as the builders used recycled crushed concrete and masonry. Manufactured materials were purchased locally as to reduce the need for transportation.

Naturally, the Morrisania Homes development was also built in a convenient neighborhood, so the residents would not have to travel far to get basic amenities. This can significantly reduce their respective carbon footprints. All in all, Morrisania Homes achieved a silver rating with the LEED for Homes standard, earning an overall score of 62 out of a possible 106 points. Morrisania is the first affordable housing project in the state of New York to achieve LEED for Homes certification.

Morrisania Homes is comprised of 76 units in 28 buildings, offering green homes to many families. It was built by Blue Sea Development in consultation with Steven Winter Associates and government agencies.