Palm City Transit Village – Zero Emission Affordable Housing Design

Palm City Transit Village is an affordable housing project in San Diego, led by National Community Renaissance in collaboration with Studio-E Architects, Arup US, Inc., Build Momentum, Inc., and the University of Southern California. Addressing California's housing and climate challenges, the team proposes 288 all-electric, transit-oriented units in a mixed-use development. The project emphasizes low-carbon technologies and advanced materials to set new standards in building decarbonization and energy efficiency, focusing on resident comfort and sustainability. Notable features include smart energy management systems, heat pump water heaters, responsive thermostats, automated lighting controls, a microgrid with energy storage and solar photovoltaics, and passive high-insulative construction materials. This design phase of the project demonstrates the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of advanced energy technologies in affordable housing, highlighting environmental benefits and aiding policy advancements through knowledge transfer. The proposed implementation strategy encompasses pre-installation and design review, procurement of materials and technology, construction, installation, commissioning, performance testing, technology efficacy verification, community and resident engagement, project benefit evaluation, and dissemination of findings.