Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Habitat for Humanity Goes Green
... The most common green building approach used in Habitat homes - many of which are three bedroom, one bath dwellings built for under $50,000 - is to meet Energy Star ratings. That's the U.S. EPA's standard that increases efficiency 20-30% by installing efficient appliances, lighting, super-insulation and by tightly sealing the building envelope. Affiliates also seek ways to boost indoor air quality by reducing or eliminating products that offgas volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Call this a "light green" approach. ...
I volunteer for HfH when the chance comes along. This is a good program in that the recipients of the homes not only have to pay the mortgages, but need to build up "sweat equity" by working on other homes before moving into their own. I can tell you that these people are very enthusiastic and help whereever they can on the site.
Adding green features to these homes is a wonderful bonus, since the occupants would then pay less for heating bills. Baltimore's Chesapeake Chapter performs renovations only, and so may not be in a position to add green features because of the associated costs of renovations.