MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) is dedicating the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Habitat for Humanity house in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area in Crystal. A home “dedication” signifies the successful completion of a project that has engaged more than 1,000 volunteers and supporters.
“This is an exciting milestone for us. While Twin Cities Habitat has been incorporating green building techniques in our home production for more than a decade, this project really challenged us to expand our capabilities,” said Susan Haigh, President and CEO of TCHFH. “By expanding and improving our green building practices, we are producing durable, energy efficient homes that are more affordable to maintain for the families we serve.”
Aptly dubbed the “Green Demonstration House,” the project explored new products and building techniques, further developing the organization’s best practices in green building and sustainable development. Several products and construction practices were identified that will be replicated across
TCHFH’s homebuilding program. Cargill was the primary house sponsor for the Green Demonstration House. “Cargill has been a global partner with Habitat for Humanity International for many years,” said Greg Page, chairman and chief executive officer of Cargill. “We’re committed to applying our knowledge and experience to help meet complex economic, environmental and social challenges. As part of that commitment, our employees have helped build more than 400 houses with Habitat in 19 countries on six continents.” Other key partners and sponsors include: Waste Management, LEED sponsor; Minnesota Environmental Initiative, sustainability advisor; Ken Kaufman, property donation; AmeriCorps; Hennepin County HOME; SHOP; Andersen Corporation; Whirlpool; Toro; and Valspar. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Green Demo House 2 In celebration of Earth Day, Twin Cities Habitat is also hosting a public open house on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at 7001 36th Ave North in Crystal. The event features demonstrations about environmentally sustainable products and practices. “Green” landscaping presentations will be held at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m., and will include an overview of rain gardens and native plants.
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Editor’s Notes:
The Green Demonstration House included the following elements: Insulated Concrete Form (ICF)
foundation; radiant floor heating system in the lower level; energy efficient wall framing systems; steel
roof shingles; blown cellulose insulation; cement board siding; passive solar design; Energy Star
appliances; energy efficient Andersen windows; low-VOC paint; concrete with recycled fly ash; rain
gardens; and more.
Products and building techniques were chosen with the following criteria in mind:
• Identify green/sustainable techniques and building materials that can be easily replicated
throughout the organization’s construction operation.
• Choose products and techniques that are volunteer-friendly to implement or install.
• Select products that prove affordable and energy efficient in the long-run.
• Ensure that products and systems are easy to maintain for the future homeowner
Twin Cities Habitat developed a website that provides further information about green building practices,
and will showcase the progress on the Green Demonstration House. Visitors can view an interactive
animation of the house, virtual tours, and photo updates by visiting www.habitatbuildsgreen.org.
About Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity
The mission of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity is to eliminate poverty housing from the Twin Cities and to make decent, affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. An award-winning nonprofit housing developer, Twin Cities Habitat is committed to building the quality of life, health and economic prosperity of the region by producing, preserving and advocating for affordable homeownership – because homes and families are the foundation of successful communities.
About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 160,000 people in 67 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit www.cargill.com.
matt haugen : 8:00 AM on March 30, 2015
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity : 3:46 PM on June 11, 2014