Green Building Practices Helps Habitat Homeowners with Lower Bills
Energy-efficient homes means lower heating bills for our partner-families. In addition, building green homes also sustains our communities, said Perry Ecton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Dane County.
Of the nearly 200 homes Habitat has built, more than 100 of them are Energy Star Certified. To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. Energy Star homes are 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. Habitat plans to implement LEED design elements in all future construction.
Habitat Dane First Habitat Affiliate in State to Receive LEED Gold Status
Habitat Dane built its first two homes registered with the certification goal of LEED Gold in 2010-11. LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.
The homes were completed last May. Only 20 homes have received LEED certification in Wisconsin and Habitat Dane is the first Habitat chapter in the state to reach this status.
Factors to achieve LEED Gold certification include:
1. A location that minimize a building’s impact on ecosystems and waterways
2. Water efficiency that encourages smarter use of water inside and out
3. Energy efficiencient design, construction, appliances and lighting
4. Reduction of construction site waste
5. Improved indoor air quality and increased natural daylight
Who will Benefit from a Successful Sustainable Showcase?
The Ruben Banuelos and Marie de la paz Perez Family. Ruben and Marie moved to Madison about 12 years ago. They were married in Madison and are the proud parents of Andres and twin boys Migele Edwardo and Alen R.
Ruben became a citizen in 2008 and Marie will shortly have her papers. Ruben works in Waunakee at Kerry Ingredients. They are members of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Madison.
“We are looking forward to being homeowners where we can do vegetable and flower gardening and raise our family in a stable, friendly and peaceful environment,” said Ruben. “We are very thankful for the opportunity to own our own home.”
Habitat ReStore Saves Landfill Space, Opening New Store on Westside
In nearly 11 years, the Habitat ReStore has diverted nearly 10,000 tons of building materials from Dane County landfills. By selling usable materials to the general public, the Habitat ReStore has saved valuable landfill space for all county residents.
Located at 208 Cottage Grove Road in Madison, the Habitat ReStore sells building materials including wood flooring, tiles, lighting, cabinets, appliances, doors, plumbing and more.
“Many have saved hundreds if not thousands of dollars on their projects,” said Jen Voichick, Habitat ReStore Director. “The ReStore is a great community resource.”
The Habitat ReStore will open a second store at 5906 Odana Road in July. The hours and inventory will be the same as its current Eastside location – Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., www.restoredane.org