Green Communities

Enterprise Green Communities is the only national green building program created with and for the affordable housing sector.

Launched in 2004, the comprehensive program has evolved to address the growing threats of our changing climate. What hasn’t shifted is our focus on residents’ health and well-being.

We collaborate with developers, investors, builders, policymakers, health care practitioners and other stakeholders. Together, we’re here for change.

To scale green building practices across our industry, we:

Provide grants and technical assistance to increase high-quality affordable housing development
Partner with researchers to improve the health and quality of indoor environments
Engage federal, state and local policymakers on green affordable housing development
Promote the Enterprise Green Communities Criteria and certification

Advancing Racial Equity through Green Building

Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) are more likely to live in unhealthy homes that lack access to transit and other resources. BIPOC communities also face a greater risk of living near brownfields and other toxic spaces and industries. Healthy, efficient green affordable homes are key to advancing racial equity. And to achieving economic and environmental justice.

We've had a long history with Enterprise Green Communities. The criteria aligns seamlessly with our holistic approach to design.

Mike Saunders, SVP, Director of Design, McCormack Baron Salazar

Our Impact

We make homes healthy, efficient and climate resilient

CUTTING CARBON

28000

Each year, new Green Communities-certified homes jointly save owners and residents over $10 million in energy costs and prevent nearly 28,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

LIVING GREEN

1 Million+

Nearly 130,000 affordable developments nationwide have met Green Communities certification to date – creating a healthy, sustainable and affordable home for over 1 million people.

SAVING WATER

15 Billion

Green Communities-certified homes have collectively cut close to 15 billion gallons of water – enough to fill over 22,000 Olympic-sized pools, saving owners and residents $51 million.

Green Communities Criteria

Illustration of people in a community garden

Enterprise Green Communities certification is available to any housing development in the United States with affordable homes. To date, almost 130,000 affordable homes nationwide are Green Communities certified. And 30 states require or encourage developers seeking affordable housing funding to follow the Green Communities Criteria.

The 2020 Green Communities Criteria are the newest version of the award-winning standards. Developers who achieve 2020 certification also receive WELL certification. Joint certification is made possible by our partnership with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI).

Five themes are central to the 2020 Criteria:

Integrative design approaches that give residents a voice in the design process
A path to zero energy with strategies to help all developments move closer to zero emissions
Healthy living practices such as ample ventilation and healing-centered design
Water standards that promote efficiency and protect against lead poisoning
Resilience requirements that prepare homes for local climate hazards

A new tier of the 2020 Criteria goes a step above the standard certification. Green Communities Plus is available to affordable housing teams making an extra effort to reduce emissions. This elite designation recognizes developers who are moving toward or achieving zero-energy homes.

The First 20 represent a range of developers from across the United States. We’re lifting up their commitment to sustainable building practices as they make their journey to 2020 certification.

Interested in Green Communities certification?
Learn about eligibility and requirements.

Essential and Urgent

Extreme heat, annual wildfires and stronger, more frequent hurricanes. Our changing climate, combined with the impact of Covid-19, creates enormous challenges. How we design, build and operate buildings will affect the pace of climate change. Healthy living environments with affordable utility expenses are possible. And they are critical to the future of resilient communities.

Our Impact on Green Building Practices

See our full-sized map of where green communities are being promoted across the country..

Ready to build Green?

Interested in learning more about Green Communities certification? Need expertise on green policy? Technical assistance? Reach out to our team today.

Community Profiles

Creating a Greener Future

Over the past 20 years, Enterprise has proven what’s possible: We can design, build and operate homes for families that are affordable and healthy – and help change our climate future. Meet three developers who are leading the way.