Sustainability
CCLF's culture involves a heavy emphasis on environmentalism and sustainability. The agency actively encourages the use of energy-efficient building standards and materials in the construction of community real estate developments.
Project example: In 2007, CCLF provided nearly $1.2 million in pre-development funding to the Historic Pacesetter LP / Whistler Crossing project in Riverdale, Illinois. The money went to support the first phase of mixed-use, mixed income subdivision redevelopment (housing for rental and ownership, as well as new commercial space). The project featured the following design features: solar water heating systems, low-VOC materials, energy-efficient appliances, recycled and locally sourced building materials, bioswales, and transit-oriented design.
CCLF has organized an annual Building for Sustainability workshop since 2006, and regularly hosts a Sustainable Builders Working Group for community development professionals interested in supporting sustainable community projects. CCLF has published several editions of "A Guide to Building for Sustainability," a booklet of techniques, resources, and case studies of affordable housing. In 2009, the agency released a new website dedicated to sustainable building resources in the Chicago area.
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