Through the programs and assistance of HFHM, all 76 affiliates are making progress to build or rehab homes to the energy standards outlined in Habitat for Humanity International’s U.S. Construction Standards. It is the right thing to do for the environment.
It’s also the right thing to do for our Habitat homeowners.
- Safer, healthier homes
- Increased comfort
- More durable with reduced maintenance costs
- Energy savings of 30 to 70 percent
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan recognizes that it costs more to build our Habitat houses using these techniques. We firmly believe that by spending money upfront, we can make the cost of home ownership more affordable for the families and at the same time be better stewards of the environment.
To support this initiative, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan has a Sustainable Building Program. It is staffed by Thom Phillips, Sustainable Building Specialist and Joe Sullivan, AmeriCorps Special Projects Coordinator.
The Sustainable Building team is here to assist affiliates with:
Energy efficiency
Reduction of material use
Recycling/reusing of materials
Reducing water consumption
Maximizing longevity
Protecting and enhancing the building site
Improving indoor air quality
Minimizing construction and demolition waste
Designing for accessibility
Achieving Energy Star® certification
In addition, the team will be concentrating on:
- Benchmarking: determining existing construction methods and levels of sustainable building knowledge to aid in providing effective training opportunities.
- Consulting, coaching, and technical assistance: helping affiliates achieve their goals in building energy and resource efficient, durable, healthy, accessible homes.
- Training: one-on-one, group, or web-based topical training programs pertaining to construction related issues, especially sustainable measures.
- Providing house plan assistance: Providing design assistance and complete floor plans that affiliates can use that meet all HFHI criteria.
- Working with Prison Build program: work with the PB committee to revise plans to meet efficiency, accessibility, and HFHI standards, and to help promote the program to affiliates.
- Home performance testing: certified HERS rater can test and verify homes to comply with Energy Star standards.
For more information on the Sustainable Building Program, contact Thom Phillips at tphillips@habitatmichigan.org