HfHGP is proud to announce the first home built by a local Habitat has received high honors for energy efficiency.

The first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified home in all of Masschusetts has been awarded to 11 Braley Road in Plymouth at the Gold Level. This is also the first Habitat-built home in all of New England to be recognized at any level for the energy and environmentally friendly technologies used in its construction.

LEED for Homes is a national third party certification system for energy efficient, health, green homes. Gold is the second-highest level that can be achieved.

There are a series of points awarded based on the energy saving parameters laid out by the US Green Building Council, which oversees the program. These include: reduced waste sent to landfilles, conservation of energy and water, healthier and safer air quality for residents, reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions, qualification for rebates and other incentives to go green. And a demonstration of commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

The process began in 2006 with a professor from UMass Dartmouth offered to help Habitat build an energy efficient home. Three years later the efforts of all involved paid off!

The Construction Commitee of HfHGP followed the USGBC guildelines and the home was awarded a total of 68 points their hard work. They were supported by LEED for Homes Provider, Conservation Services Group.

The home at Braley Road features specially designed and insulated wall panels, photovoltaic solar panels on the roof and radiant floor heating. For the Scarpino family who lives in the home, this translates to electric bills one tenth of what they were paying prior to moving in.

The Woman Build project currently underway at 138 Grove St, Kingston is also registered with USGBC and will be certified upon completion. It is unknown what level certification will be granted until the home is completed.

Nationally, the number of Habitat for Humanity homes with LEED certification as of November 2008 is 58 with 87 registered for future completion.

For more information on building green and the LEED for Homes process, visit www.usgbc.org/LEED