Minneapolis’ Phillips neighborhood is now home to Minnesota’s first multifamily passive energy homes, a model for affordable and sustainable housing. The project, known as Green on 14, consists of 10 townhomes that are being sold at affordable prices to qualified buyers through a partnership with the City of Lakes Community Land Trust.

Energy Efficiency

The homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, using a rigorous construction standard that emphasizes comfort and minimal energy bills. The result is a meticulously built home that ensures residents will have minimal energy bills, with estimates suggesting that residents in two-bedroom units will pay $8 monthly in energy bills.

The project applies five construction principles to maximize build quality and energy efficiency: thermal insulation from thick walls, air tight assembly, thermal bridge reduction that minimizes cold spots, highly rated triple-pane windows, and quality ventilation. Together, these principles create new construction practices that are on the cutting edge of energy efficiency, a key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Affordable Housing

The City of Lakes Community Land Trust has provided an affordable housing model in Minneapolis for 24 years, retaining control of the home and ensuring perpetual affordability while allowing homeowners to build equity. The goal is long-term affordable housing options, with most buyers through the City of Lakes Community Land Trust earning closer to 50% of area median income.

Those interested in purchasing a home through the land trust must apply to ensure they qualify with income requirements and attend an orientation session to learn how a land trust works. The homebuying process is fairly standard, with buyers applying for mortgage preapproval, touring properties, and making offers.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.