Date of Award

Summer 8-2014

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Department

Interdisciplinary Studies

First Advisor

Sandeep Langar

Advisor Department

Construction

Abstract

Poverty affects housing quality which in turn affects occupant health, and Mississippi (MS) has been identified as the state with one of the highest poverty rates. Voluntary support offered by Non-Profit Organization (NPO) serves to aid populations experiencing inadequate housing conditions. Given the need to create adequate housing for low-income families, it can be probable that green building strategies fall low on the list of NPO priorities. Thus, this research aims to identify the trends of a major NPO operating in MS, which also adopts green housing. The researcher also identified the aspects for NPO affiliates that set the adopters of green housing apart from the non-adopters? Combined design strategy was utilized with two phases built in it. The first phase utilized explorative design methodology and led to identification of the NPO which met all pre-established criterion. The selected NPO (Habitat for Humanity [HFH]) was analyzed in the second phase utilizing cross-sectional design. Telephonic survey was used as the method for data collection. It was found that HFH in MS had 38 affiliates, and three out of 38 affiliates were able to provide green certified housing. The study found an uneven distribution of HFH affiliates across the state. The study also identified that the presence of chain agent was imperative within the affiliates for adoption of green housing. Further, the research identified cost, accessibility to green materials, and affordability for families as major barriers for adoption of green housing. The researcher identified that routinization of green innovations does occur within green housing and was based on experience of the builder. Routinization of green innovation within NPOs in Mississippi was obtained after completing five to ten projects.

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