Denver's "Green" Program
Metro Denver HFH, Colo., U.S.A.

On Earth Day, 1997, Metro Denver HFH dedicated its first "green home," designed to be energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The new design resulted in significant savings for the homeowner family -- their highest utility bill that winter was $45.

Now Metro Denver HFH incorporates green design features in all of its houses. "Building energy efficient homes is something every affiliate should have as a goal," says affiliate executive director Lori Vaclavik. "By making minor changes in construction, families can save significant money through reduced utility bills. Habitat homes should not only be affordable to purchase, but also affordable for a family to own and maintain. And it sets an important standard for all builders to follow."

Energy saving features:

• Passive solar heating from four large, south facing, low-e insulated vinyl windows.

• Enhanced insulation values: walls to R-21, ceiling to R-30 and floor joist to R-19.

• Exterior wall layout accommodates R-21 batts, reduces lumber use and thermal bridging.

• Programmable thermostat.

• Raised heel trusses enable full R-values to be maintained over the exterior walls.

• Two-foot overhangs shade the windows in summer and allow for solar heat gain in winter.

• Efficient 60,000 Btu gas furnace instead of customary 80,000 Btue.

• Solar water heating system provides 75% of the hot water needed.

• Compact fluorescent lighting throughout.

Environmental and health features:

• House incorporates both active and passive solar heating design.

• Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint.

• Finger jointed framing on partitions.

• Engineered floor joist.

• Synthetic carpet fiber composed of recycled soft drink containers.

• Eco-Products decking consisting of recycled wood and plastic composites.

• Xeriscaping landscape materials require far less water and maintenance.

• Low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads.

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