OF HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF MATTHEWS
MISSION STATEMENT
Habitat for Humanity of Matthews’ Green Building Program aims to empower partner families and strengthen communities through environmental, structural, and economic sustainability.
Habitat for Humanity of Matthews implements the following green building measures to contribute to a more sustainable future for each of our partner families:
DESIGN PROCESS
Preliminary Planning:
-Prior to beginning construction on a home, the HFHM team conducts a preliminary LEED for Homes meeting with Southern Energy Management staff to create a sustainability action plan for the project
Durability Planning:
-Prior to beginning construction, HFHM develops a Durability Plan to address all durability risks
LOCATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
Land Use:
-At least 25% of lot perimeter borders previously developed land
-All lots selected are within at least ½ mile of existing infrastructure
Access to open space:
-Lots are located within ½ mile of publicly accessible or community-based open space (such as public parks or playgrounds)
SUSTAINABLE SITES
Erosion Controls:
-Erosion control measures are in place on site during construction, including silt fences, rain swales, etc.
-Permanent erosion controls are installed on the site in the form of shrubs, trees or native groundcover
Landscaping:
-No invasive plants are included in the landscaping
-All installed plants, including turf, are drought tolerant species that require less water to maintain
-All sidewalks, patios, and driveways are paved with light-colored concrete to reduce heat-island effects
Nontoxic Pest Control:
-All cracks, joints and penetrations are sealed to prevent the entry of pests
-Landscaping is installed, so all parts of mature plants will be a minimum of 24 inches from the home, keeping pests away from the foundation and preventing the seeping of moisture from plants
-All cellulosic material (primarily wood) is treated with a borate product to at least 3 feet above the foundation
WATER EFFICIENCY
High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures:
-The average flow rate for all lavatory faucets is 1.5 grams per minute
-The average flow rate for all showers is 1.75 grams per minute
-The average flow rate for all toilets is 1.3 gallons per flush
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Air Tightness:
-A continuous, durable air barrier encloses the conditioned living space
Insulation:
-All foundations (slab-on-grade) are insulated to code
-Insulation is installed with no gaps, voids, compression or wind intrusion
-R-38 insulation is installed in the attic
-Building envelope is completely sealed to maximize energy efficiency
Windows:
-Windows have an overall heat gain coefficient of less than .38 and a U-value (measurement of heat transference) of less than .35
HVAC Sizing and Installation:
-Heat pumps have a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 15
-All heat pumps also include an outdoor thermostat, which prevents unnecessary heater operation
-Duct leakage does not exceed 3% of the conditioned square footage
-All mechanical systems are sized appropriately for the energy demands of the home
Energy Star and Appliances:
-All homes exceed EnergyStar Home requirements
-All homes have EnergyStar labeled refrigerators
-Homes have a minimum of two light fixtures with fluorescent lamps
-Electric water heaters have an energy factor of at least .93
MATERIALS & RESOURCES
Material Efficient Framing:
-The overall framing waste factor is limited to 10% or less
-Ceiling joists are spaced 16” on center
-Roof rafters are spaced 16” on center
Environmentally Preferable Products:
-All paints, coatings, adhesives and sealants are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products
Waste Management:
-At least 50% of construction site materials are recycled or diverted from landfills or incinerators
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Combustion Venting:
-No homes contain unvented combustion appliances or fireplaces
-A carbon monoxide monitor is installed in each home
Ventilation and Moisture Management:
-A filtered, whole-house mechanical fresh air ventilation system is installed
-An exhaust fan, vented to the outside, is installed in all bathrooms and kitchens
-All ventilation ducts in unconditioned spaces are insulated
-Jump ducts are used in each room to ensure adequate return air-flow
Contaminant Control:
-Air filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8 are installed at the HVAC unit in air-tight filter housing
-Air contaminants are controlled during construction by sealing all ducts and vents until construction is complete
-Contaminants and odors are removed from the home following construction by a preoccupancy flush in which fresh air is circulated continuously throughout the home for a total of 48 hours
AWARENESS & EDUCATION
Homeowner Operations Training:
-Homeowners are provided with an operations and maintenance manual, which explains features of their new home
-Homeowners are taken through an instructional walk-through of their home prior to occupancy to learn the details of environmental features
