Becky Williamson, strategic marketing coordinator for MLGW, recently answered questions about MLGW's partnership with Memphis Habitat. To learn more about MLGW's EcoBUILD program, please click here.

Habitat: In regards to Trinity Park, why did MLGW decide to get on board?

BW: MLGW's EcoBUILD program can be adopted by any builder, for any floorplan, on any lot within Shelby County. Habitat decided to pursue grant funding for Trinity Park using "green building" as one differentiating factor. Since EcoBUILD program is an established, proven method to achieve energy savings through green building, it made sense--economically and logistically--for Habitat to adopt EcoBUILD. MLGW assisted Habitat in developing technical language for the grant proposal and provided a letter of support.

Habitat: What are your organization's thoughts about the Trinity Park project?

BW: With 38 lots, Trinity Park will be among the largest certified green developments in our area--providing another example of how energy efficiency can be achieved, cost effectively, for homes in any price range.

Trinity Park represents an opportunity for new homebuyers to be confident that the homes they are buying are energy-efficient, as every home will be built and certified through the EcoBUILD program. People mistakenly assume that new homes automatically are energy-efficient, whichis usually not the case. (Currently, Memphis and Shelby County use the 1992 Model Energy Code so, even if the house is built to code, it's a code that is 16 years old! State legislators recently passed a bill requiring local jurisdictions to adopt the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code as a minimum standard beginning January 1, 2009 -- so the code will be updated. Unless energy code issues are inspected and enforced as written, however, homebuyers may not see much improvement. EcoBUILD, therefore, serves as the energy inspector and enforcer for participating homes.)

Habitat: How does MLGW feel that Trinity Park will benefit Memphis?

BW: Trinity Park represents Habitat's first attempt to build an entire neighborhood to green standards. Under the EcoBUILD program, every home is inspected at least twice during construction, then performance tested to ensure energy efficiency. The 38 families who move into those homes will benefit from lower utility bills, better indoor air quality and improved occupant comfort. Those utility bill savings will, in turn, translate into more discretionary income that Habitat families can save or allocate to other expenses.

Once we've analyzed the floorplans, we'll be able to calculate the environmental impact of EcoBUILD certification on Trinity Park homes, resulting from avoided emissions due to less electric generation needed to meet electric usage. Based on results of the Uptown project (discussed below), energy savings for an average 1,500-square-foot EcoBUILD home reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 78.55 tons per year.

Habitat: Why are low-income "green building" efforts so important?

BW: Green building benefits every homeowner regardless of income, but low-income homeowners reap the greatest benefits, since utilities typically require a larger percentage of their income. EcoBUILD has certified more than 400 homes, ranging from $80,000 to $900,000--proving that energy efficiency and environmental benefits can be achieved, cost effectively, at any price point.

Habitat: Has MLGW's EcoBuild ever been involved in another effort of this scale?

BW: EcoBUILD was created in response to developer interests in making Uptown a green community. Uptown, a 100-block redevelopment area north of downtown Memphis, will feature approximately 400 single-family, EcoBUILD-certified homes when it is completed--making it one of the largest green communities in the nation. The Memphis Housing Authority has utilized EcoBUILD for several recent housing developments, as well.

Habitat: How did that project benefit the homeowners and the City as a whole?

BW: Uptown leaders use EcoBUILD as a marketing tool to attract homebuyers who are interested in energy-efficient housing. Once they realize the economic impact of lower utility bills, Uptown occupants become vocal supporters of green building--even if they didn't consider themselves "environmentally minded" in the beginning.

As more builders have adopted EcoBUILD, more building suppliers and retailers have started stocking energy-efficient materials and equipment. This means former "special order" materials are now readily available, often at a lesser cost than before, which benefits everyone--not just the buyer of an EcoBUILD-certified home.

The less energy that is used--or really, wasted--in a home, the less energy that needs to be generated. Electric generation is one of the largest sources of air pollution in the nation, so living in a green home has a direct positive impact on the community.

Since Uptown was a redevelopment project, it has introduced hundreds of residents to a geographic area that was underpopulated and overrun with neglected, abandoned housing. City services had to be maintained in the area, even though there were fewer residents to use and fund those services. Uptown has reversed that cycle, by restoring hundreds of properties to the tax rolls;replacing overgrown lots with attractive, energy-efficient homes, and increasing the area's population.

Habitat: I heard that MLGW was involved in the building of 22 EcoBuild Habitat homes in 2006 and 2007. Why did MLGW decide to partner with Habitat to make these homes more eco-friendly?

BW: As a way to create awareness about EcoBUILD, MLGW provided grant money in 2006 and 2007 to fund material upgrade costs onmany homes, rather than funding the construction of one complete home. The average Habitat home required $2,900 in upgrades to comply with EcoBUILD requirements, including costs for more efficient HVAC, windows, insulation and ceiling fans.

Habitat: What was the funding for that project?

BW: In 2006, MLGW provided $24,050, in addition to a direct $5,000 donation from Trunkline Gas/Panhandle Energy. Not all those funds were spent in 2006, so the following year, MLGW funded $20,000, while Trunkline/Panhandle funded $6,500. MLGW's funds were provided from the EcoBUILD marketing budget, since this partnership was a way to increase awareness and interest in green building.

Habitat: How involved in the build process was MLGW?

BW: From start to finish! MLGW employs a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater who inspects every home participating in the EcoBUILD program. That employee, Kieth Kulow, met with Habitat staff and volunteers to discuss specific requirements and was onsite to inspect insulation, air sealing, HVAC and other work vital to energy efficiency. During the Builders' Blitz, Kieth spent most of the week at the Habitat site to provide inspections quickly during the accelerated construction cycle. In addition, Habitat hosts an EcoBUILD workshop for Habitat families after they've moved in to their EcoBUILD-certified homes. Becky Williamson, another EcoBUILD staffer, presents information on the unique energy aspects of their homes and tells families how they can maintain low utility bills. Each homebuyer also receives a customized EcoBUILD Homeowner Manual that outlines energy upgrades in each home and provides advice on making energy-efficient choices for daily living.

Habitat: Was that partnership the first between Habitat and MLGW?

BW: No, MLGW has been involved with Habitat for a number of years, sponsoring homes in conjunction with TVA, Trunkline Gas/PanhandleEnergyand others.

Habitat: How long has the EcoBuild program been in existence?

BW: MLGW began development of the EcoBUILD program in 2002-03, convening a steering committee including representatives from MLGW, city government, builders, developers and community groups to explore current construction practices and identify cost-effective improvements to yield an average 30% energy savings. Applications for the first EcoBUILD homes were submitted in fourth quarter 2003, with construction completed in mid-2004.