The U.S. Green Building Council Awards Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe LEED Gold Certification for Green Homebuilding

February 15, 2010, today 3 residential homes on the Pine Creek Reservation South of Kalamazoo Michigan, were awarded LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for achievement in green homebuilding and design. LEED for Homes is a green home certification system for assuring homes are designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and healthy for occupants. LEED certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that includes a home energy (HERS) rating and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live.

The three homes are each 2000 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and will be used as rental units for low- and moderate-income elders and families of the Tribe.  The homes will be open to the public and available for a community open house on February 22, 2010 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

They are just 3 out of 58 local West Michigan homes that have been LEED Certified through the Alliance for Environmental Sustainability; the Grand Rapids based USGBC LEED for Homes Service Provider.  The homes were designed & built by Rivertown Homes by Design; Grandville, Michigan known for their expertise in building LEED homes and the project was managed by the Skillman Corporation; Grand Rapids, Michigan. Green homes have substantially lower utility bills [1]and may qualify for advantageous financing, lower insurance rates and government incentives.  This project included funding provided by: Housing and Urban Development Indian Housing Block Grant; Housing Urban Development Indian Housing Block Grant-American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; and Housing and Urban Development-Rural Housing and Economic Development Grant.

“Choosing to go for LEED certification started with the construction of our Health Center in 2007 and has carried forward into our residential home construction as well.  Green building is an important sustainable approach that demonstrates our commitment to the environment and the community.” comments Dan Green, Executive Planner for the tribe.

Through their commitment to green homebuilding, the NHBP Tribe is also helping to keep homeownership affordable.

“By being  LEED certified, the three homes serve as a model of greener living for the entire community,” said Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development for the U.S. Green Building Council. “These homes are at the national forefront of quality; and their example can help us all to live better by reducing our environmental footprint, cutting our utility bills, and coming home to a healthier place to live.”

Specific information about the homes- The homes focus heavily on reducing energy use through very high performance insulation and weather sealing.  The three bedroom models feature low-e argon windows, high efficiency lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs and high density insulation.  Other energy efficiency upgrades include Geothermal Heat systems with programmable thermostats  and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV’s) for, mechanical ventilation.  . 

As a result of incorporating energy saving products and technologies the three homes have achieved an average 46 Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score.  Homes’ HERS score must be 85 points or lower to qualify for Energy Star.  A score of 85/100 would represent a home being 15% more energy efficient that a standard code built home, so the low score of 46/100 represents these homes being 54% more energy efficient than today’s standard home.

LEED Building Features:

                1416 finished main level sq. ft.

                Superior Precast Foundation Wall System

                Material and Labor Efficient Off –Site Panelized Construction

                Use of Environmentally Preferable Products

                Geo-Thermal HVAC System

                On Demand Hot Water System

                Efficient Hot Water Distribution Layout

                Very High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures and Fittings

                High Perfomance Window Package

                Extensive Caulk and Seal Package

                Energy Saving Insulation Package

                Exceptional Energy Performance

                HERS Index  46

                Energy Star Appliances

                Energy Star Fixtures

                Limited Conventional Turf

                90% of all Plantings are Drought - Tolerant

Located  twenty four miles South of Kalamazoo Michigan, The Pine Creek Reservation is also home to Tribal community support services such as a 6,000 square foot LEED Certified  Health Center, a Community Center, and Administration Office. 

Directions to the Open House- From Battle Creek: take M-66 south 12 miles; go west on S Drive South and travel 2 miles; go south on 1-1/2 Mile Rd. and travel 0.25 miles; go west on Pamptopee Trail to arrive at homes.

From Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids: take US-131 to Schoolcraft and go east on Elisa (turns into W. Avenue West just outside of town) and travel 20 miles; go south on 1-1/2 Mile Rd. and travel 0.5 miles (turns into S Drive South); go south on 1-1/2 Mile Rd. and travel 0.25 miles; go west on Pamptopee Trail to arrive at homes.

Contacts-

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

For more information you may contact Dan Green, Executive Planner at (616) 249-0159.

Alliance for Environmental Sustainability

For more information you may contact Calvin DeLano, Executive Director at (616) 458-6733.

Rivertown Homes by Design

For more information you may contact Jim DeVries Residential Designer at (616) 534-0466