Habitat Homes in the Valley Go Green

The Central Valley Habitat for Humanity will be building homes a little more “green,” thanks to a grant from The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity International. The Bridgewater-based non-profit was selected as one of 123 Habitat affiliates across the nation to participate in an initiative to build into new homes energy-saving materials, reduced water consumption appliances and fixtures, durable, lower maintanance materials, and lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Central Valley organization will receive $3,000 toward every home that meets Energy Star standards, and $5,000 for every home that meets even higher green standards. According to Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation, the cost for building greener is not expensive and can save thousands of dollars in maintanance costs for homeowners.

In a pilot program last year in which Habitat built more energy efficient homes, about $2,000 worth of energy efficient materials were added to homes built by the organization. They are reporting energy savings of 15 to 30 percent in the homes where these materials were used.

Interested in volunteering for Habitat for Humanity or learning more about the green initiative? Email Marsha Smith at Central Valley Habitat for Humanity.