Green Preservation

Preservation transactions are inherently complex, particularly when federal subsidy programs are involved. As with all affordable housing projects, resources for preservation are limited and time is often tight. As a result, adding "green" goals to these transactions may seem like an option that cannot be pursued without sacrifices in other areas. However, with proper planning from the outset, preservation and greening can go hand-in-hand to improve the physical, economic, and environmental sustainability of existing affordable housing.

The Affordable Housing Preservation Initiative is making green principles an integral part of its strategy to improve the physical, economic, and financial sustainability of existing affordable housing. Below are resources to help get you started.

Downloads:

> Getting Started with Green Preservation (PDF, 1.21 MB)
Getting Started with Green Preservation is a step-by-step guide to planning a green rehabilitation project in the context of an affordable housing preservation transaction-either a recapitalization by an existing owner or the purchase and rehab of an at-risk affordable housing project. The guide also provides an overview of financing programs for green preservation transactions, and a detailed list of resources and links for greening existing affordable housing.

> Green Rehabilitation of Multifamily Properties: A Resource Guide (PDF, 645 KB), produced by Bay Area LISC in partnership with Build it Green, provides guidelines for preparing a green physical needs assessment. It describes the costs and benefits of specific green recommendations for all areas of the project: site conditions and systems, building construction, mechanical systems, and dwelling units. It also includes a helpful building walk-through checklist to help guide your due diligence and planning process.

> Green Operations and Maintenance Toolkit and Buyers Guide (PDF, 393 KB), a project of Bay Area LISC, provides guidance for property management and maintenance staff, and outlines steps to take during rehab to support green operations and maintenance practices.

For additional green preservation resources, visit LISC's Green Development Center.