posted Monday, February 9, 2015
Housing Virginia released findings of a study that shows that the average resident of an energy-efficient apartment saves $54 per month on electricity bills, which amounts to $648 annually.
The yearlong study conducted by Virginia Tech’s Center for Housing Research also found that apartments built to higher energy efficiency standards outperform new standard construction housing by more than 40 percent with respect to consumption.
The study is the first of its kind in Virginia and one of the first in the nation to verify actual electricity usage in apartments built to meet high-level efficiency standards, according to Housing Virginia, a public and private venture focused on high-quality affordable housing.
Another finding was that energy-efficient construction standards affect the affordability of apartments for lower-income families and seniors. For example, for a person who makes 30 percent of the median income, where half the residents in an area make more and half make less, the average resident will see the ability to afford housing increase by nearly 10 percent.
— From staff and wire reports
To see the article on Richmond.com: http://www.richmond.com/business/local/article_1b4aa7e8-8bd6-5595-9420-1f0e7103aa1c.html