Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation Announce 2010 ‘Partners In Sustainable Building’ Program Grantees
Participating Habitat for Humanity affiliates have certified nearly 1,500 sustainably built homes nationwide
(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) Atlanta, GA - Sept. 8, 2010 - Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot® Foundation today announced the 2010-2011 Partners in Sustainable Building (PSB) program grant recipients. From Birmingham, Ala., to San Diego, Calif., more than 135 Habitat affiliates across 42 states will be granted $3,000 for each home built to Energy Star standards and up to $5,000 for each home built to a higher green standard. The selected Habitat affiliates are expected to build 2,400 homes in 2010-2011. Launched in 2009, this $30 million green building initiative is a five-year program aimed at helping Habitat affiliates in the United States incorporate sustainable building practices in 5,000 green homes.
Through the sustainable building program, participating Habitat for Humanity affiliates have already certified nearly 1,500 sustainably built homes nationwide. By incorporating practices such as creating a tight building envelope and using efficient, durable materials in the construction process, many of these homes achieved green building certification with little additional cost. In many instances, the homes also benefit from landscaping projects that feature native plants, trees and other features that provide valuable shade and ground cover. In order to certify homes under one or more of the recognized programs available, affiliates may employ strategies as diverse as:-
Water-conserving plumbing fixtures
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High-efficiency appliances
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Programmable thermostats
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Low- and No-VOC paints and finishes
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Quality insulation and ventilation systems
Results from the first year of the program show energy savings, lower utility bills and health benefits for the homeowners. According to the U.S. EPA, by following green building standards, homeowners can potentially see a savings of 30 percent or more in their utility bills. Examples of how the program is successfully impacting the families moving into the homes include:
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One PSB homeowner in Rushford, Minnesota reported that her heating bill averaged only $2.50 per day during January.
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In Fort Bend, a Texas homeowner who recently moved from his mobile home into a PSB home reported energy savings of $500 a month.
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After months of 100+ degree temperatures, a homeowner in Grayson County, Texas reported that her highest electric bill was only $100.
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In St. Louis, Missouri a homeowner saved so much in utility bills that she was able to purchase everything her children needed for the new school year, an annual expense she could not previously afford.