"The statistics show that if you own a home, high school graduation rates are higher and overall quality of life is better. Each Habitat family has a postitive effect on the community and greater society."
Frank Monaghan, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

Why We Build Green

At Habitat Philadelphia, we build homes that are not only affordable, but sustainable.
 

Habitat Philadelphia mainly rehabs and builds Philadelphia-typical row homes, an energy efficient design. The efficency, beauty, and architectural design of 100+ years ago is preserved through the rehab process, and utilizing the current housing stock keeps valuable construction materials out of landfills.

In 2009, we completed seven homes on Stiles Street in West Philadelphia that are certified by the national Leadership and Energy in Enviornmental Design (LEED), demonstrating that we are building to stringent national green building standards. Building green means using energy efficient appliances, smart use of building materials, and incorporating conservation best practices.

Green design and sustainability demand that environmental, economic, and social conditions are equally recognized and integrated. These triple bottom line conditions are inherent in Habitat’s mission as we build houses, build hope, and build Philadelphia.

 Environmental Stewardship

  

Our homes are built to conserve precious natural resources. Water and energy conservation is fundamental to the design and construction of these homes. Low water fixtures, Energy Star rated windows, lighting, and appliances, high efficiency equipment, and good design all play a role in establishing a healthier planet.

  

Instillation of durable, long lasting materials helps reduce the demand for new materials and the energy required in the extraction, transportation, and manufacturing process.

  

We utilize existing housing stock and infill lots which extends the lifecycle of Philadelphia homes, retains cultural resources, reduces waste, and minimizes the amount of energy that would be required for demolition and ground-up construction.

Economic Impact

  

Habitat homes become more affordable because of reduced utility and maintenance costs.

  

An average middle class family spends 5% of their income on utility costs. An average low income family spends 20% of their income on utility costs. For families who are stuggling to pay for all their basic needs, having an energy efficient home is a crucial cost-saver.

  

Beyond the economic benefits that our partner families experience by living in energy efficient homes, projects that conserve water and energy help municipalities save money by reducing the burden of infrastructure.

  

Green building projects stimulate the marketplace, encouraging manufacturers to supply environmentally conscious, locally manufactured products. Sustainable building design and construction fuels the continued growth of green jobs in the region.

 

Social Implications

Habitat homes dramatically improve indoor air quality for families, and healthier living conditions can help reduce medical expenses, allowing our partner families to save more. Habitat homeowner training helps ensure that families are able to optimize the ongoing performance of all the home’s features and equipment over time, empowering them to take fully take ownership of their new homes.

  

Habitat’s green affordable housing helps set a precedent, demonstrating that green doesn’t have to mean more expensive.The presence of a green Habitat home can jumpstart positive community activity and environmental consciousness on a street, block, or neighborhood.

The Tucho Family