The enclosed Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Design Guidelines are the results of contracted research on and analysis of the technologies employed at the already-built Community of Civano (developed in Southeast Tucson beginning in 1996 to produce energy and water efficient housing) with the intent of using this data to facilitate the development of center city housing aimed at families of lower income.

Post-occupancy data obtained from selected households in Civano through occupant utility and water bills indicate lower energy and water use than average household energy and water consumption within the City of Tucson. This is in part due to the original standards and design requirements imposed upon development within Civano, including the Sustainable Energy Standard and additional landscaping and water use restrictions. In general, Civano houses were sold at well above the median new home sales price. The objective of this study was to determine what technologies employed at Civano reduced overall energy and water consumption and to determine which of these technologies can be applied specifically to affordable housing development.