Building new homes for families in need all while saving energy costs.
We're here in Travelers Rest as Habitat for Humanity builds a green home and we're going to talk about how it can save money and save the earth.
“We think its important for the environment.”
“We’re able to recycle a lot and that helps us.”
This house doesn't look quite green now, but in time it will save the homeowners some serious cash.
“I think we've all become aware in the last few years of the need for us to be environmentally friendly.”
Monroe Free is the president of Habitat for Humanity in Greenville. Over the last three years, Habitat has been building homes to “Earth Craft” standards.
“We caulk differently more so that so much energy doesn't slip away from the house,” explains Free.
“Our trusses are more energy efficient where we can put more insulation around them. Our windows are energy efficient, all our appliances are energy efficient.”
He says the houses cost a little bit more to build, but can save the families that live there 30 percent on their overall energy bills.
“It really seals the house and it keeps your heat inside and your air conditioning and it makes it much more efficient.”
Emelie Hegarty is a volunteer who also makes going green a priority.
“The green aspect really helps them with their bills and we need to make sure the homeowners take care of their homes after they're in them,” says Hegarty.
And the families so far agree.
“Just like all of us, they like the energy savings obviously. But it also shows up in the general quality of the house,” says Free.
Another way Habitat goes green is by recycling the building materials at the home sites. Their goal is to recycle 75 percent of their products.
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