Building Green Homes & Green Communities

Habitat York is very proud of our commitment to build environmentally responsible homes for our Partner families.  As part of our commitment to "building green", Habitat York has adopted the LEED Green Building Rating System™ which encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices. 

By constructing a LEED™ certified home, we will ensure that each family has the most energy efficient home possible and as a result, less of their income will be directed to electricity, heating and cooling costs.   Each home must meet a minimum of 19 mandatory measures in areas of energy efficiency, environmental considerations, sustainability and quality. Our first LEED™ home project, (led by our Build Manager Kari Salovaara and our Volunteer Project Team Leader Ray Ashby), at 262A Terrace Drive in Keswick was completed December 2010.  It is currently being evaluated but initial estimates rate this home at LEED™'s highest standing -  Platinum, with an EnerGuide score of 84.

As a result of our commitment to high quality, affordable, green building practices, we have a decreased impact on our natural resources and positive health benefits through reduced pollutants into the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 164.4 kg/year.  Therefore, not only providing a healthier home for our Partner families but providing a healthier community for all families.  Our first LEED™ home has some unique features provided by our local suppliers and trades that have been an important part of our ability to achieve our estimated Platinum standing.  We would like to highlight some of the features of this affordable green home and our sponsors/suppliers behind each product.

Air Max System - The home utilizes a 98% efficient Energy Star rated dual-purpose water heater.  By utilizing this multi-purpose system in the 912 sq. ft. bungalow, the predicted space and hot-water heating costs are estimated to be $385 per year.  By adopting these standards, our Habitat homes will also lower utility costs for our families by saving $406.60 in electricity cost.  To compare, the average home using standard code would be approximately $791.06. Natural gas savings are calculated at 891.6 cu.m./year in energy.  In addition to heating the home, our build team installed a high-efficiency heat recovery ventilation unit (HRV) that improves air quality of the home.  This HRV unit has smart controls, which activate the unit as the humidity levels in the house rise. 

Roof - The roof,  distributed and installed by Classic Products Barrie, Classic Metal Roofing Systems, and Classic Products Roofing Systems Inc. is a highly reflective, 98% recycled aluminum roof with a lifetime/40 year  transferable non-prorated warranty.  Their Oxford Shingle is an attractive, low-profile aluminum roofing system that is designed to provide a long lasting durable, and energy-efficient alternative to the standard composition shingle. 

Windows - The windows provided by All Weather Windows, are triple glazed, low E argon windows with UV protective glazing. 

Insulation & Siding - To minimize heat loss, our build team installed above code insulation (R32 wall insulation, R23 basement wall insulation, R60 attic insulation), with no gaps or voids.  We utilized blown-in insulation in the attic to reduce heat loss/gain in the winter/summer.  In addition, to further minimize heat loss/gain, the home was clad in Duraplank siding provided by Royal Group.

Interior & Exterior Water & Moisture -  In addition to the HRV unit controlling the moisture within the home, water resistant flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, moisture resistant drywall and proper drainage and downspout systems contribute to a warm, dry, home with balanced whole home ventilation.

Appliances, Lighting & Bathroom fixtures - All of the appliances including the refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer, were high efficiency Energy Star® rated appliances.  All of the lighting that was installed was also Energy Star® rated.  The bathrooms each contain ultra high efficiency toilets, which reduce water usage for the home.  In addition, all faucets, are low flow therefore further contributing to reduced water usage for the home.

Paint & Wood Trim - The team used FSC-certified wood where available and appropriate and used zero VOC paint.

Solar Air Panel - This panel was installed to supplement interior heating requirements and further reduce the dependency on electricity.

Habitat York would like to recognize John Godden & Gillian Lind of Clearsphere for their support and consultation in helping us reach our projected LEED™ Platinum rating. If you would like to learn more about these products for your own home, please click on the logo of our very generous suppliers below to find out more about their various products and their contact information:

For more information on LEEDâ„¢ Canada, please visit the CaGBC website, www.cagbc.org.

 

HABITAT YORK AWARDED 2010 GREEN BUILD AWARD