What effect does sustainability and design consideration have on affordable housing? This thesis investigates affordable housing and how sustainable design can make it more economical. There is a lack of design that goes into a lot of mass-produced affordable housing complexes. Most of these buildings are made with lack of any real design, mostly made with the cheapest materials, and put up as fast as possible. There is immense pressure on society to provide housing for everyone in the community, so those designing these buildings are not to blame. However, I do believe with more research there is a better design solution to be discovered that will overall better this type of architecture. By using case studies, qualitative and correlative research methods I will show the effect sustainable design can have on affordable housing. Sustainability can improve costly utilities and the overall function of the building. While putting thought and consideration into material choices, HVAC systems, and passive design affordable housing has the potential to not only house those who need it most but help ease the toll construction takes on the environment. Through case studies, published writings and scholarly journals this design thesis will answer the design question at hand.