An estimated 1.4 million legal accessory dwelling units—or ADUs—exist in the United States, with that number growing steadily larger each year. Housing experts, real estate agents, and urban planners alike have posited that this rise in ADU popularity could be crucial in helping to solve the affordable housing crisis.
But like any new building, it’s important that these accessory units are designed in a manner that minimizes their environmental impact. In this article we’ll provide a basic overview of ADUs, their benefits, and what to know before building one, plus provide some insight as to how they may be designed with sustainability in mind.
