All of these projects begin with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s highly successful Energy Efficient Affordable Housing program. Meeting the technical requirements for this grant program get an affordable project a long way toward being green. In addition, this project has more-efficient central mechanical systems rather than individual furnaces for each unit.

Sankofa House’s other dominant green feature is a fairly large bioswale with native landscaping, taking advantage of the generous site area and building on the architect’s previous experience on Wentworth Commons. Other green features are sprinkled in such as in-unit recycling bins, limited use of carpet (which harbors mold and dust), and compliance with ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2004, a residential ventilation standard that is more stringent than many design teams initially recognize.

Interfaith’s community partner on this project is Sankofa Safe Child, an organization working to keep families intact by assisting them in acquiring specific community resources. Other project team members include general contractor Linn-Mathes.