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Kent County, Mich., Habitat for Humanity Gives Foreclosed Homes a LEED-Silver Overhaul

From: ECOHOME 2010 Posted on: January 14, 2010 2:38:00 PM

Building certified homes since 2007, the organization has turned its attention to renovating abandoned properties using efficient, eco-friendly products and techniques.

By:Katy Tomasulo

Kent County Habitat for Humanity's LEED-certified gut rehabs include this home in Grand Rapids completed last fall in partnership with Aquinas College and funded by Neighborhood Stabilization Program stimulus dollars. The project provided a new home for a Sudanese refugee couple about to have their first child.

The Kent County, Mich., chapter of Habitat for Humanity is showing the industry that green, high-performance homes don’t have to come with exorbitant price tags. The Grand Rapids-area organization has been building to LEED for Homes standards for two years, and is now focusing its efforts on transforming foreclosed properties into energy-efficient, healthy dwellings for families in need.

Since committing to LEED standards in 2007, Kent County Habitat has built 60 homes to the standard. This year, it will undertake 34 gut rehabs that will meet a minimum of LEED-Silver, as well as Energy Star.

The whole metaphor of recycling a home fits into our commitment of sustainability,” Kent County Habitat’s director of construction Chris Hall says of the group’s motivation to tackle rehabs.

Perhaps even more important is preserving the communities where other Habitat homes have been built. “We have a commitment that they are successful homeowners,” notes Hall. “If they’re in a neighborhood that’s dying around them, it makes sense to transform these homes. We’re taking what was once an eyesore off the street … the transformation has been amazing.”

Habitat acquires the abandoned properties from banks and holding companies at prices averaging around $20,000. That upfront cost, a bargain for sure but still much heftier than what Habitat typically pays for a vacant lot, is partially offset by federal stabilization funds.

Meeting the needs of a LEED-Silver home while staying on a $110,000 budget (including the cost of the original home) starts in the planning stage, two months prior to the four-month buildout. Because each property is different, each project begins with team collaboration to design an efficient space and pinpoint potential challenges. Planning contributions come from staffers as well as outside designers, energy experts, and other pros who discount or donate services; local college students also contribute through energy testing or home design.

“If you start from scratch and look at your footprint, maximize space, and utilize advanced framing, you can actually save money,” Hall says, noting, for example, that fitting more bedrooms into a smaller square footage helps earn LEED credits from the start.

And the LEED certification isn’t just about feeling good. Building the homes tight and with healthy indoor air is essential to Habitat’s mission of fostering successful and affordable residency, particularly since most new residents are first-time homeowners.

It also doesn’t mean cheap materials, but rather smart decisions. In fact, the most expensive change for these homes is the upgrade from spot ventilation to a RenewAire energy recovery ventilator, which adds about $1,200 to the typical cost of a Habitat house. Hall says the expense is worth it: “When they move into our homes, you see it—health is improved. I haven’t built a home here that I wouldn’t move into.”

Low-VOC paints and carpets also contribute to healthier IAQ. Other product selections include donated Dow rigid foam insulation on the exterior, Whirlpool Energy Star appliances (also donated), and WaterSense-labeled fixtures. “We seek out third-party certification as much as possible,” Hall explains, an effort that further pays off in garnering financial support by individuals and groups that are drawn to sustainability issues.

In addition to Energy Star and LEED certification, the costs of which are covered by The Home Depot Foundation for the first 50 homes, the structures meet the standards of “0 step” accessibility, including having a main-floor bedroom and bathroom and 5-foot turning radiuses.

The transition from building new homes to mostly remodels has required Habitat staff and volunteers to transform their operational processes and learn new roles. But the payoff is worth it as they funnel spending back into local companies while fulfilling the dream of homeownership in a state devastated by the recession.

Even experienced green pros are learning new tricks from navigating the unique challenges of LEED-certified remodeling. “You have to be creative to do green building with no budget,” says veteran green architect Eric Hughes, owner of Image Design in Grand Rapids, who is slated to design 30 of the gut rehabs. This includes maximizing the space and improving the flow of 60-plus-year-old homes composed of tiny rooms.

Hughes notes a particular cost-saver Habitat employs on all its homes: training volunteers to caulk every joint, which allows for the use of batt (i.e., less expensive) insulation while still maximizing envelope performance.

“Whenever I hear that it costs more or that the market doesn’t want it, … I tell them to come out to our site and see what we’re doing” Hall says. “ If we can do this for $110,000 and volunteer labor, any builder can do it.”

http://www.ecohomemagazine.com/news/2010/01/kent-county-mich-habitat-for-humanity-gives-foreclosed-homes-a-leed-silver-overhaul.aspx


Metro Health Hospital and LEED

Metro Health connects with community on a daily basis through the patient-centered, award-winning health care offered at Metro Health Hospital and 10 neighborhood outpatient centers. Donations to the Metro Health Hospital Foundation are also improving the health and well-being of our community by supporting life-saving education and prevention programs, enhanced patient services and medical education. 

Metro Health's new state-of-the-art hospital is now open in Wyoming. Conveniently located just north of M-6 at the Byron Center exit, the new Metro Health Hospital is the focal point of Metro Health Village...a unique development offering a comprehensive mix of services. 

The hospital has curved corridors, spaces bathed in natural light, healing gardens, a "green roof" of living plants, and many other features designed to improve safety and create a more therapeutic environment. Patient rooms are all private with new technology that will keep patients and visitors comfortable and connected. 

A strong focus on storm water management, recycling and energy conservation will earn Metro Health Hospital LEED certification, making it one of only a handful of hospitals in the nation to receive the designation, which recognizes Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Even more impressive...every building in the Village will be LEED certified. 

Metro Health is thrilled to transform the health care experience in West Michigan. The new facility means changes for the better, while the heart of Metro Health remains the same...compassionate employees delivering care that is truly "All About You. All Around You." 

Contact Information: 

Metro Health Marketing 
2122 Health Dr. SW, Ste. 230 
Wyoming, MI 49519 
616-252-5036 
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Follow the link for Wood TV coverage: http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/community/partners/MetroHealth_Hospital

Haworth Achieves 0% Landfill Status

Posted on MiBiz

http://www.mibiz.com/

December 22, 2009

HOLLAND – Haworth, Inc. announced that all U.S., Shanghai and Pune manufacturing facilities, as well as the company’s global headquarters, have achieved zero waste to landfill status. Preliminary results show that Haworth’s U.S. manufacturing facilities have gone from 4.6 million pounds of landfill waste in 2008 to zero in 2009.

“ Haworth is extremely proud of this accomplishment but we also recognize that this is a sustainable journey,” said John Mooney, Haworth Chief Financial Officer and executive sponsor of sustainability. “Zero waste to landfill is a bold step toward our zero waste goals – a concept that affects all aspects of our business.”

Haworth U.S. facilities still generate approximately .93 million pounds of waste that is turned into waste-to-energy.  Global Haworth facilities that are not yet at zero waste to landfill status will do so by 2011. Additional information on Haworth’s sustainability initiatives can found in the company’s sustainability report. 


 

Washington, D.C., Requires Building Energy Use Metrics

Posted By Environmental Leader On December 22, 2009 @ 7:08 am

Building owners in Washington, D.C., will start measuring the energy use of commercial properties on Jan. 1, 2010, under a new law aimed at reducing energy use and costs for building owners and tenants, according to the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT [1]).

Under the new law, the Clean and Affordable Energy Act, passed in 2008, building owners will have to publicly disclose energy ratings starting in 2012, which will give prospective tenants and buyers an easy-to-understand way to compare the energy consumption and operating costs of buildings, according to IMT.

The requirement started with benchmarking public buildings greater than 10,000 sq. ft. in October, which will be followed by commercial buildings greater than 200,000 sq. ft. in January 2010. The requirement rolls out on a graduated schedule so that by 2015, all private buildings greater than 50,000 sq. ft. will be benchmarked annually and ratings made public, according to the nonprofit organization.

The new law also directs all commercial buildings to measure their energy use with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool [2].

In the U.S., residential and commercial buildings consume 70 percent of all electricity produced in the U.S. and generate 40 percent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, reports IMT.

A new study on energy efficiency in buildings (EEB) indicates [3]that the global building sector needs to cut energy consumption in buildings 60 percent by 2050 to help meet global climate change targets. According to The World Business Council for Sustainable Development study, buildings account for 40 percent of the world’s energy use with the resulting carbon emissions substantially more than those in the transportation sector.

Building owners can cut energy costs significantly with low-cost energy saving measures such as fine-tuning heating and cooling systems, replacing lights and installing motion sensors, according to IMF.

For commercial building owners, these implementations can translate into higher rental premiums. According to a recent study on commercial buildings, Energy Star and LEED-certified buildings can command [3] a higher rental premium, typically between 10 percent and 31 percent, respectively.

Currently, Washington D.C. ranks [4] (PDF) fourth in the nation for the number of Energy Star labeled buildings. Click here (PDF) for Washington, D.C.’s Guide to Green Buildings [5].

Washington, D.C., is one of only a handful of states with similar policies enacted including California, Washington and most recently in New York City, although NYC is facing an uphill battle with building owners.

Building owners in New York, citing cost as the major issue, are opposed [6] to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plans for energy-efficient buildings, which recently forced the mayor to drop one of his key initiatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to state laws, major real estate firms have recently signed up [7] for a pilot program that would help building owners, prospective tenants and buyers determine the energy efficiency of a building through the Building Energy Quotient program, administered by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

 

Experience the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan Chapter!

With so many changes with LEED® AP credentialing, the new Green Associate Accreditation, the formation of our Member Interest Circles (Schools, Neighborhood Development, Green Building Operations and Maintenance, Homes and the longstanding New Construction and Commercial Interiors) over the past two years, the time seemed right for members to experience all of this first hand. We hosted an event on Friday, January 22nd titled “Experience the U.S. Green Building Council”.

Presentation topics:  “How to Get and Keep Your LEED Credentials”.  Participants gained a better understanding of the new LEED accreditation levels, and learned about the new Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) for existing LEED APs.

Also discussed:

  • The 2009 changes in LEED Accreditation

  • What it means to be, and how to become, a Green Associate

  • Options for Current LEED APs without specialty; learn how to maintain current status or obtain a specialty

  • The CMP requirements to maintain your status as a LEED Green Associate, LEED AP with a specialty, and/or LEED AP without specialty

  • Methods of fulfilling these requirements

  • What happens when these requirements are not met

Did you know that you can now earn CEUs when you are an active part of the leadership of our chapter? The Member Circles provide up-to-date information and networking opportunities. Engaging in one of the interest circles is the best way to get your feet wet and earn CEUs.

Click on this link for more information: MEMBER INTEREST CIRCLES

Thanks to these sponsors for their support:

  • Crites-Tidey
  • Nichols
  • F. C. Moran

 


  

Habitat for Humanity home dedicated with Aquinas College students

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- Hours of work done by students of Aquinas College led to a dedication today. The college partnered with Habitat for Humanity to gut a 1940's home in Grand Rapids and renovate it to LEED standards, making it more environmentally friendly. The home also has insulation made from more than 730 pounds of recycled blue jean collected by the students last spring. Aquinas is the first college in West Michigan to underwrite and complete an entire Habitat home.

By Josh Aldredge

City of St. Paul adopts green building policy


December 19, 2009

by Brian Johnson Staff Writer 

The city of St. Paul is moving ahead with green building requirements for new construction projects that receive at least $200,000 in city funding.  

Under the city’s sustainable building policy, approved Wednesday by the city, building projects that receive $200,000 or more in city loans, grants or “other funding vehicles” must meet green building standards as defined by a rating system such as LEED.  

 St. Paul officials say the city is the first in the state to adopt such a policy. 

An advisory group of “architects, designers, contractors, developers, bankers, and regulatory agencies, as well as city staff and other industry representatives,” worked for more than two years to develop the policy, the city noted.  

Under the new policy, developers can take their pick of seven rating systems to satisfy the requirements. A partial list of approved rating systems includes LEED Silver or Green Globes 2 for commercial projects or LEED for Homes or Minnesota GreenStar for residential construction.  

Specific policy requirements include meeting Minnesota Sustainable Building 2030 energy standards for new buildings, beating EPA standards for potable water use by at least 30 percent, and using 50 percent less water for landscaping compared to a traditionally irrigated site. 

In addition, at least 75 percent of the construction waste, including demolition materials, must be recycled “or otherwise diverted from landfills.” Other requirements apply to things such as indoor air quality and stormwater management. 

Parking structures and parking lots and “any addition to an existing building that includes a new HVAC system” are not subject to the requirements, according to the city.  

The city says it will provide a “sustainability facilitator” to help guide developers through the process. 

One objective behind the policy is to help the city reach its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, in accordance with the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. 

 St. Paul is home to more than 20 LEED-certified or registered buildings, the city noted, including the Western District Police Station, and a new fire department headquarters on West 7th Street. 

Organizations that helped create the policy include BOMA, BWBR Architects, Family Housing Fund, McGough Construction, Riverfront Corporation, Saint Paul Port Authority, and the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Research. 

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GBCI, VA Help Veterans and Families Pay For LEED Professional Exams

(Washington, DC) December 16, 2009 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in accordance with the G.I. Bill, has agreed to reimburse Veterans, eligible dependents and reservists for the cost of any of the LEED® Professional Exams administered by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). 

"We are honored to be a part of the VA's aggressive effort to help Veterans gain the skills and credentials required for full participation in the new, green economy," said Peter Templeton, President, GBCI. "For those veterans who are pursuing a career in green building or a related field, this support for attaining LEED credentials can go a long way in helping them achieve their professional goals, and GBCI is proud to play a part in their future success." 

Individuals planning to take a LEED Professional Exam must apply directly to the VA for reimbursement. Under this agreement, the VA will cover up to $2,000 per exam. Anyone who took a LEED Professional Exam after December 3, 2008 is eligible for reimbursement. Those interested in applying and learning more about the program and related certification benefits should view the VA's pamphlet on licenses and certifications. 

GBCI administers exams for professionals wishing to earn a LEED Green Associate or LEED AP credential, which support the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED green building rating systems. The LEED Green Associate credential is ideal for professionals who want to demonstrate green building expertise in non-technical fields of practice. The five LEED AP credentials distinguish green building practitioners who have demonstrated proficiency and specialization in the LEED rating systems for Building Design + Construction (BD+C), Interior Design + Construction (ID+C), Operations + Maintenance (O+M), Homes, or Neighborhood Development (ND). 

For more information on the LEED Professional Exams and Credentials, visit www.gbci.org.

DOE Adds Comprehensive Energy Web Site, Building Energy Use Lab

December 16, 2009 (from EnvironmentalLeader.com)

As the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory dissects the possibilities of building energy efficiency, a government Web site is making energy data and resources more available to the public. Both efforts come as a result of funding from the Department of Energy.

The Berkeley Lab is getting $15.9 million in stimulus funding to build a “national user facility” that will attract researchers from around the U.S. and the world to study best practices for improving building energy efficiency, reports the San Francisco Business Times.

The lab will focus on creating net-zero energy buildings that create as much energy as they consume.

The lab will test new air conditioning systems, lighting, on-site power generation, plus new kinds of roofs and skylights. Additionally, the lab will investigate new methods of constructing windows, walls and floors.

Also, on Dec. 14 the Department of Energy launched Open Energy Information, a wiki-style Web site that makes energy information and resources more available to the public, according to a press release.

In addition to information about building energy efficiency that is available to project developers, OpenEI has data sets related to worldwide solar and wind potential, information on climate zones and related best practices.

One sector of the site, dubbed VIBE (Virtual Information Bridge to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), brings together a number of Web resources related to solar, wind, biomass and transportation.

For instance, this page shows a number of charts and data sets from the Energy Information Administration.

And this page shows average prices of a number of energy options.

 


  

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