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

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

Resource Conservation

1. Cardboard recycling
2. Drywall recycling and some reuse through the ReStore
3. OSB and small lumber chipping
4. Pallet recycling
5. Aluminum recycling
6. Can and bottle recycling
7. Proper tire disposal/recycling
8. Slabs filled with recycled, crushed concrete
9. Temporary drives made from recycled, crushed concrete
10. Empty drywall mud buckets sold at the ReStore
11. Carpet and pad recycling
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

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