top of page

ECONOMIC SOLUTIONS

Economic - Biophilic Design & Green Building in Low-Income Housing // Tax Credit Developments

​

This initiative is driven by the LIHTC program which looks to incorporate innovative design and construction solutions into low income housing by giving tax credits to developers for meeting certain green building standards on low income developments. It’s goals include: 

  • Studying the cost of green features and looking for sustainable, energy efficient solutions in building operating costs.

  • Choosing the right green components for developers to evaluate overall building sustainability by reducing operating costs over the life cycle of the building.

  • Involving management and residents to educate tenants on biophilic design and green building approaches, while offering incentives to persuade residents to reduce energy outputs.

  • Promote green, affordable housing as a platform which makes quality of life a priority and encourages state regulations to become more involved in this initiative.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Etsy Headquarters in New York City is an example of how biophilic design is an economic solution.  The founders understood Biophilic Design’s impact on employee productivity, creativity, and health when considering the development of its headquarters.  Here are examples of its incorporation into the building:

​

  • Neutral color palette for the architectural elements

  • Ecosystems- outdoor terrace featuring native plants and wooded elements design to age and provide habitat for pollinating insects

  • Dog friendly

  • Open floor plan with workstations near windows

  • Large windows that provide expansive views of the City

  • Indoor landscaping- planters, green walls, green columns and green partitions

  • Natural and Indigenous Materials

  • Botanical motifs

  • Organic patterns and information richness

  • Transitional spaces

  • Age change and patina

  • Historical Connection to Place- use of original flooring

 

 

https://living-future.org/biophilic/case-studies/etsy-headquarters/

bottom of page