Habitat Builds: Taking the "LEED" on Green Building

This spring, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis is partnering with a team of architects in an effort to make the six spring homes more sustainable and to strive towards LEED® certification. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED® provides standards for successful green building design and construction. The homes will also be certified through the MLGW EcoBUILD program. For more information about LEED®, click here. For more information about EcoBUILD, click here.

Spring 2009: Weeks 1 and 2

Dow Styrofoam Residential Sheathing
Extruded Polystyrene Insulation Board


Top: Volunteers hang Dow "Blue Board" insulation on day one of the Spring Build. Bottom: A close-up of the "Blue Board".

Dow's Styrofoam residential sheathing extruded polystyrene insulation board (also called "Blue Board") serves as an enhancement to each home's insulation envelope. It has low emissions, and it helps with noise reduction inside the home.

LP TechShield Radiant Barrier foil


Top: Volunteers lift a panel of LP TechShield to the roof of a home; Bottom: LP TechShield panels in place.

LP TechShield Radiant Barrier foil reflects heat away from the attic to keep the home cooler, which helps lower energy bills. It is required for EcoBUILD certification.

"Smart Framing" Techniques and Ladder Blocking

Exterior walls are set 2-ft on center with ladder blocking.

By utilizing "smart framing" techniques, each of the homes is 2-ft on center. This means the studs are set 24 inches apart, instead of the traditional 16 inches. This practice reduces the number of studs needed and conserves lumber.

Ladder Blocking provides insulation to keep heat from coming together, thus helping to decrease thermal bridging.

Finger-Jointed Studs

A volunteer prepares to hammer beside a finger-jointed stud.

Finger-jointed studs are smaller pieces of wood glued together to form standard-length studs. This process is much less taxing on the environment because it eliminates the need for solid sawn lumber.

Low-Emittance Windows

The homes have been fitted with Jeld-wen low-emittance windows.

Low-Emittance (Low-E) windows reduce the U-factor by suppressing radiative heat flow.

Spring 2009: Weeks 3, 4 and 5

Hardie® Board

Top: A volunteer checks to make sure the Hardie® Board siding is level with the window; Bottom: Hardie® Board goes up on the Bailey home.

Hardie cement fiber siding is low maintenance, but it has the look and character of wood. Hardie® Board doesn't rot or crack, and it is designed to last for up to 50 years.

Shingles

Doug Warner, a long-time Habitat volunteer, lays shingles on week three of the Spring Build.

The shingles used on all of the homes are made of asphalt. Their light color keeps them from absorbing as much heat, which lowers energy bills. They also come with a 30-year warranty.

Cabinets

The homes' cabinets are custom-built, which means materials are not wasted. They are built using local wood.

Sheetrock and Paint

A volunteer gets ready to paint interior walls.

Sheetrock used in the homes contains 99% recycled materials. All interior and exterior paint is Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds). Low-VOC paints do not release significant pollutants, are virtually odor free, and allow for better air quality in the homes.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis' green building efforts, please contact Crystel Hardin, communications and events coordinator, at 901.761.4771, ext. 210 or by email at chardin@memphishabitat.com.