One Step Up

This initiative has a one-step-up approach -

 

     - Bring all affiliates up to basic HFHI Construction Standards
     - Move affiliates from basic to Energy Star (85 HERS Index)
     - Move affiliates from Energy Star to High Performance (70        HERS Index)

 

While the process is similar for all steps here is a quick how-to:

 

Set your Goal: Build an Energy Star Home

1. Preliminary Evaluation
          - Critical Changes

        (Indoor Air Quality, Durability, Call Backs)
          - HERS Index
          - Prescriptive Requirements
          - Thermal Bypass Inspection
          - Duct Leakage Test

2. Identify 'package'

3. Build trial house

4. Refine details as needed

5. Decide what to implement in production
          - update plans and specs

6. When you reach Energy Star, write a press release.

 

- h/t to U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program Janet McIlvane & David Beal for this checklist

 

This is not a daunting process. Many builders and Habitat for Humanity affiliates are already implementing several improved efficiency materials and specs in their typical construction practices.

 

Under the pilot program, 4 affiliates had a pre-pilot, typical house rated - HERS index scores:

113 New Orleans

100 Slidell

95 Mobile

90 Baton Rouge

85 Energy Star

70-75 Project Goal