Affordable housing organizations strive to alleviate the cost burden of housing for low-income households by subsidizing rent and home ownership financing. Costs associated with occupancy, however, are a continual source of financial stress for low-income individuals. In the US, low-income household energy bills average $1,900 per year. As energy prices continue to rise and become more volatile with time, this burden will grow. Implementing design strategies in affordable housing projects to increase energy efficiency can help extend the paycheck of low-income families while improving their quality of life. Carbon Neutral Design (CND) is a movement focusing on creating buildings that reduce or eliminate carbon dioxide emissions throughout a building’s life cycle. A typical building project generates carbon emissions throughout its lifespan. Before construction, carbon is emitted when natural resources are extracted from raw materials and processed into building materials and products. During construction, this occurs when building materials are transported to the construction site, when the site is excavated for construction, and when equipment and tools are operated. Once construction is complete, carbon emissions are generated from the building’s operation, including mechanical systems, lighting, and appliance use. Still, more carbon is emitted at the end of the building’s life, as the building materials are either reused, recycled, or sent to a landfill.