Habitat Charlotte strives to be as environmentally conscious as possible. It is greatly important to us that we are providing affordable housing that is also environmentally sustainable and energy efficient.

We currently employ the following 'green' building practices:

Energy Efficiency

1. Low E windows with a 0.35 U-Factor and 0.26 Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
2. Energy Star Certified refrigerators and dishwashers
3. Compact fluorescent bulbs used for all 60 watt standard locations
4. Building envelope sealed with sill sealer, window tape, and caulk to inhibit air infiltration
5. Building wrapped with OSB and ½” rigid Styrofoam sheathing, taped at seams, adding R3.5 insulation value
6. Slab perimeters (2 feet) insulated with 1” rigid Styrofoam
7. Windows and doors sealed with low expansion foam
8. Building to LEED and System Vision standards on all new construction
9. Building Sealed Crawl Spaces when applicable

HVAC

1. 13 SEER heat pump to increase heating/cooling efficiency
2. Filtered fresh air introduced to improve indoor air quality
3. Duct connections sealed thoroughly with mastic
4. Insulated flexible ducting for bath fans to decrease condensation buildup
5. Bath fans draw 80 cfm to Advanced Energy standards
6. Kitchen vent draws 180 cfm to Advanced Energy standards
7. Reduced pressure differentials throughout the home

Resource Conservation

1. Cardboard recycling
2. Pallet recycling
3. Aluminum recycling
4. Carpet and pad recycling
5. Can and bottle recycling
6. Vinyl Siding recycling
7. Proper tire disposal/recycling
8. Shingle recycling
9. Slabs filled with recycled, crushed concrete
10. Temporary drives made from recycled, crushed concrete
11. Advanced framing methods to reduce lumber waste
12. Plans submitted and distributed electronically minimizing paper use

Community Issues

1. Build near C.A.T.S. mass transit
2. Build near shopping centers

Environmental Impact

1. Infill lots require no or less new infrastructure
2. Deciduous trees are kept whenever possible
3. Drought resistant bushes and grass seed used to minimize watering needs
4. Drywall is 100% recycled core and 100% recycled face paper
5. LEED and System Vision standards met to reduce energy consumption

Indoor Air Quality

1. Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint
2. Fresh air intake on return air (mentioned above)
3. Bath and kitchen exhaust systems (mentioned above)
4. Low VOC carpet and tile glue
5. Green Label Plus Shaw carpet and pad installed in homes
6. Sealed ductwork during construction

Critical Home Repair Green Building Practices

1. Weatherize all homes
2. Change all light bulbs to CFL
3. Install Low flow faucets
4. Tune up HVAC unit and ductwork
5. Insulate attic
6. Conduct BPI safety testing and combustion safety testing
7. Improve indoor air quality
8. Conduct before and after energy usage review