Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Day with DMME
Viridiant staff recently visited a single-family home under renovation by Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity and were joined by volunteers from the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME). The home is a 1,200 square foot cape-cod built in 1969 and located just outside the Randolph neighborhood in Richmond, VA. Like many Habitat homes, it is pursuing EarthCraft certification.
During the volunteer day, Viridiant’s Executive Director KC Bleile talked about the unique partnership between Viridiant and Habitat for Humanity as well as the history behind the EarthCraft program and its introduction into Virginia. Viridiant Technical Advisor Bill Riggs discussed the requirements associated with meeting the EarthCraft certification, HERS modeling, and the quality assurance provided through the inspection process. Additionally, blower door testing was conducted at the home to show the method for capturing envelope leakage and provide a first-hand demonstration to volunteers. This Habitat home has undergone extensive renovations: completely gutting the interior; re-insulating; installing brand new mechanical equipment, appliances, and finishes. These improvements will result in a much more comfortable, healthy, and energy-efficient home.
The benefits of green construction are especially apparent in affordable housing. That’s why Habitat for Humanity and other nonprofits partner with Viridiant. For families fighting their way out of poverty, energy-efficient homes represent a major step toward their American dream. Every gift to Viridiant pushes that dream forward, helping us touch more buildings, educate more industry professionals, and advocate for high performance construction. Whatever the amount, charitable contributions make our services more affordable, fuel research, and drive educational outreach. We hope you’ll stay involved in our vital work and consider making a tax-deductible gift.
Going Green to the Max
The Free Lance-Star of Fredericksburg, VA featured an EarthCraft Builder in their article Going Green to the Max. The article takes a look at a custom EarthCraft home built by Jeff Hall of J. Hall Homes. Energy-efficient and sustainable features include geothermal heating and cooling, solar PV, air sealing, and energy recovery ventilators (ERVs). “To put efficiency in perspective, the U.S. Department of Energy says a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index while a standard new home built to current code is rated at 100. This house has a HERS target score to be between 0-5, and even without the solar panels would score a 36.” To learn more read the full article here: fls-article-on-jhh
Green Valley Builders' EarthCraft Homes featured in The Roanoker!
“Two families looking to make energy efficiency a way of life in their new homes found an environmentally friendly haven in Mount Tabor Meadows, a Blacksburg community comprised of all EarthCraft-certified homes. Though different in size, both homes are equipped with green features suitable for any space.” Click here to read more!
Meet the 5th Annual Sustainable Leadership Award Winners!
We’re so proud of all of our 5th Annual Sustainable Leadership Award nominees and winner. Join us in congratulating all of these amazing folks on their hard work in 2013, and check out the builders and projects who are leading the way in high-performance home building.
Meet the winners!
Join Us at Green Drinks on February 20th
February Green Drinks
Please join us on Thursday February 20th from 5:30-7:30PM at the future home of Patrick and Margaret Anne Powers located at 3200 Floyd Avenue.
Honor’s Corner, built in 1910 and named for its first owner and resident, Honor B. Patterson, occupies a corner of Floyd and Auburn Avenues in the City of Richmond. The century old home had fallen into a state of disrepair and was facing a foreclosure when the Powers purchased the house to renovate it into an environmentally friendly residence. Patrick and M.A. are pursuing certifications by EarthCraft and the USGBC’s LEED program. Construction began in May, 2013 and it expected to be complete in spring of 2014.
Some of the unique features contributing to the home’s sustainability and energy efficiency include geothermal heating and cooling, specialized insulation, FSC certified wood products, reclaimed timbers for walls, floors and cabinetry, triple pane windows and doors, reflective roofing material, water saving plumbing fixtures and appliances, energy star rated lighting, fixtures and appliances, storm water runoff prevention and native plant landscaping.
We will have a tour of the house, meet folks who have worked on the project and enjoy light snacks and drinks.
If you wish to become familiar with the home ahead of time you can do so by visiting the Powers’ blog: www.shiftingcorners.wordpress.com