We're Committed to Green Building
Long-term affordability is vital to D.C. Habitat and our homeowners. Green building practices are an opportunity to help ensure the success of the families we serve. As building supply and fuel costs continue to rise, it’s essential to provide these families with homes that are efficient and cost effective to maintain.
We’ve integrated building practices that reduce negative impacts on the natural environment, promote healthy indoor air quality for residents, and reduce energy costs while increasing the long-term affordability of our homes.
Environmental Committee Members Constructing a Rain Garden
Some of D.C. Habitat’s green building techniques have been in place for years, including:
- Meeting Energy Star standards for home insulation, windows, appliances, water heaters and furnaces; All homes are Energy Star certified
- Using recycled materials when possible
- Sorting and recycling a majority of construction waste – currently 63 percent of hauled waste and construction debris
- Using fluorescent bulbs in all light fixtures
- Using water saving fixtures
- Implementing storm water runoff prevention measures
Newer practices that will continue to be implemented in all new homes going forward are:
- Indoor air quality enhancements, including use of lox-VOC caulks, sealants, carpeting and interior paint
- Adding outside air ventilators to the HVAC system to cycle fresh air into the home
- Implementing low impact landscape designs, including rain gardens to better manage ground water
- Earth Craft Homes certification for all new homes, making them at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than new homes built only to code
- Improved framing techniques and installation of exterior continuous foam board insulation, creating tight house envelopes for greater energy efficiency
Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. will continue to improve and expand its green building practices as we work to build more affordable, efficient homes in the District.
