More and more, affordable housing developers are finding that the first two questions city officials ask about proposed projects are: how much will it cost, and, is it sustainable? It’s quite possible that an affordable project that would otherwise be opposed in a community might find support and ultimate approval if the developer has a compelling sustainability story to tell.

The importance and value of sustainability as a critical element in the development of affordable housing – and all housing for that matter – continues to grow, as our planet grapples with the increasing cost of energy, the growing scarcity of clean water, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas and clean up our environment. According to one California homebuilder, real sustainability is a critical factor that affordable housing developers must embrace more fully to ensure that their new ventures are approved, built, and competitive.