The Effects of Energy Efficient Design and Construction on LIHTC Housing in Virginia
Jan 11, 2016
The Effects of Energy EfficientDesign and Construction onLIHTC Housing in Virginia
Housing Virginia’s Study• Partners: Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research and EarthCraft Virginia
• Collected utility usage data & behavior surveys
• 15 LIHTC apartment communities (family & senior, new construction & rehab) throughout Virginia
Energy CostsThe cost of residential electricity for the consumer (resident) has risen by 31% in Virginia since 2001
U.S Energy Information Administration, Electricity Data Browser, 2015
Energy Costs• Energy cost burden (percentage of housing cost going to energy ) for median income household = 13%
• Energy cost burden for low-income household = 25% or more
• Of the energy consumed, over 40% of the cost goes to space heating and air conditioning
Findings: Energy Savings Average tenant saved 464 kWh per month = $54 per month ($648/year)
*For the State of Virginia
Findings: Energy Savings Apartments in the study:
• Use 40% less energy than housing built to existing code requirements
• Performed 17% better than forecast in the model
Findings: Behavioral
SurveyResident survey reveals that additional savings could be achieved with improved education/incentive programs
Findings: Behavioral Survey• Most residents hand-washed dishes and kept windows open during most of the year
• The majority of residents reported not receiving adequate education on the energy efficiency technologies in their units
• Thermostat settings:• 72-75°(winter)• 68-72°(summer)
Conducting resident education experimental design study using traditional & alternative methods
Next Steps: Resident Education
Traditional approach = Testing the effectiveness of several different direct resident education models
• In-home, one-on-one education
• Group classes
• Video / other virtual educational modalities
Traditional approach = Testing the effectiveness of several different direct resident education models
• In-home, one-on-one education
• Group classes
• Video / other virtual educational modalities
Alternative approach = innovative energy saving incentives
• In-home devices (that monitor and help manage energy consumption)
• Providing energy savings “up front”
• Competitions for “lowest bill” or “most improved” among residents
Alternative approach = innovative energy saving incentives
• In-home devices (that monitor and help manage energy consumption)
• Providing energy savings “up front”
• Competitions for “lowest bill” or “most improved” among residents
Cost-benefit analysis of green vs. non-green developments in Virginia
Next Steps: Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost of EE
features
Cost of EE
features
Savings from EE features
Savings from EE features
Expansion of current study over volume & time + Implementation of VHDA-required utility release program
Next Steps: Expanded Scope