Builders of energy-conscious homes have always known that lower utility bills more than offset the additional costs of efficiency upgrades. That makes energy-efficient features a natural fit with affordable housing. Now one of the nation's largest home builders, Habitat for Humanity, wants local affiliates to make energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly construction a priority in all its projects.
"Our goal is to help our affiliates to become leaders in their communities on these issues," says Frank Purvis, Habitat International's director of environment. "Our training programs educate affiliates on what has to be done for their homes to become more energy-efficient in a way that doesn't raise the total cost of housing." In addition to sending out printed materials and putting on local training seminars, the organization is assembling a nationwide network of volunteer experts to help local affiliates meet efficiency and environmental goals. These experts give advice on design, site issues and specifications. They help develop lists of materials and make sure house plans meet energy codes. They also review current construction methods and show the affiliate what changes need to be made.
"We plan to build 50,000 houses over the next four years," says Purvis, "and we want each one to be energy efficient and environmentally responsible."
One affiliate that has taken the challenge seriously is Houston Habitat for Humanity. In a recent high-profile project, the Houston affiliate joined the Alliance to Save Energy, Houston Light and Power, and local builders to complete the "Energy Affordable Home." This energy- and resource-efficient house was featured at the 1996 National Association of Home Builders' annual convention. But the project was more than a one-time event. Executive Director Mike Shirl says that all of Houston Habitat's homes now include improved window shading and orientation, energy-conserving duct design, water-conserving fixtures, increased ceiling and wall insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, natural ventilation and energy-efficient lighting. Not only must these homes meet or exceed the requirements of the CABO Model Energy Code, but according to Shirl, Houston Habitat was the first non-profit builder in the country to be named an Energy Star Builder by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Shirl found that the shift to building more efficiently wasn't a dramatic one. "It evolved naturally as we looked for ways to make home ownership more affordable," he says. "The main difference in how we operate is that we now look at long-term benefits as opposed to short term ones." The impact on volunteers that build the homes was also minimal. Shirl points out that the "Energy Affordable Home" was built with readily available technologies that can be easily adopted by any builder. "We have to train our volunteers to foam and caulk chases, windows, doors and the like," he says, "but we can typically do that in about 30 minutes."
Maximizing Savings
While Habitat's focus is making home ownership affordable for low-income people, the organization has an extra incentive in that it also serves as the mortgage company for the homes it builds. Lowering monthly operating expenses, says Shirl, reduces the chance that buyers will default on mortgages. Energy is the second largest monthly cost of home ownership, and average monthly utility bills for Houston's hot and humid climate range from $90 to $110. Efficient design and construction methods can reduce these costs by $25 to $35 per month. The home's energy package adds around $1,800 to the mortgage, but because home owners save more money each month than they pay to finance the energy improvements, they enjoy a positive cash flow from the first month. Within eight years, savings will pay the entire cost of the improvements and the owners get to pocket the savings.
The Houston affiliate also educates its home owners on how lifestyle can affect utility bills. In fact, studies by the Alliance to Save Energy of low-income weatherization recipients have shown that home owner education can increase energy savings by up to 50 percent, while helping the savings to continue over time--a winning formula for home owner and lender.
For more information contact: Habitat for Humanity International, 912-924-6935 or Houston Habitat for Humanity, 713-521-2816
Houston Habitat for Humanity's "Energy Affordable Home"
An energy-efficient HVAC system: 12.0 SEER air conditioner, programmable digital thermostat, upgraded duct insulation, and duct sealing with mastic.
Improved insulation: R-30 ceiling and R-16 wall insulation. Exterior rigid foam with taped joints. Insulated exterior doors with weatherstripping and airtight thresholds. Insulated, weatherstripped attic access ladder.
Energy-efficient appliances: Refrigerator, washer, dryer, and water heater meet or exceed the minimum national appliance energy standards.
Enhanced solar shading: Covered front porch with full shading of front door and windows. Two-foot roof overhangs and solar window screens installed for significantly reduced solar gain. White vinyl siding and light-colored roof shingles.
Efficient lighting: Fluorescent lights in kitchen. Exterior security lighting using photocell controls and lower-wattage bulbs.
Environmental: Low VOC interior paints and floor coverings. Water conservation through low-flow shower heads and faucets. No-lead fixtures.Houston Habitat for Humanity's "Energy Affordable Home"
This article appeared in Energy Source Builder #48 December 1996,
©Copyright 1996 Iris Communications, Inc.
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