Corporate

Habitat builds first SystemVision / Energy Star certified home east of Highway 17

Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity has just received the prestigious Energy Star Certification award for meeting the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. EPA recognized the local Habitat for Humanity organization for its contribution in reducing pollution through energy efficiency. Crystal Coast Habitat passed the Advanced Energy SystemVision testing at the completion of a home they built to the Model Energy Code in Beaufort on Bell Creek Drive.

According to Krista Egger, a quality control technician with Advanced Energy in Raleigh, the SystemVision program requires even more rigorous standards than what's needed to meet Energy Star Certification. During the home testing process she stated, "Habitat's home in Beaufort has met both! I was impressed with the tightness of the house and the HVAC work." Advanced Energy guarantees the heating and cooling costs to average a set amount monthly for a period of two years for these homes that pass the SystemVision/Energy Star certification. For the 1408 square foot home on Bell Creek Drive, the energy bills will be less than $35 per month.

In order to be in this program, the volunteer construction supervisors, and the insulation and HVAC subcontractors had to attend a day long workshop, review construction videos and received a building manual in order to learn the techniques required in the construction processes to meet the stringent SystemVision standards for the completed home to pass the final certification test. Bob Kulin of Seagander Enterprises was the HVAC subcontractor and TIMCO did the insulation. Wayne Gibson was the construction supervisor on this first Energy Star certified home build.

Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity is proud of the collaborative efforts of the volunteers and subcontractors to achieve these results. Habitat has also learned that this home built in Beaufort is the first one to earn this prestigious certification east of highway 17 in North Carolina, and is the 65th home built by the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate which services Carteret County and Havelock.

Currently, Habitat has two homes under construction in the SystemVision Program on Charles Street in Havelock and another one on Bell Creek Drive in Beaufort. In addition to the energy guarantee, Habitat receives a $4000 grant for each home that passes the SystemVision/Energy Star Certification.

To learn more about the Advanced Energy SystemVision program you may visit their website at www.advancedenergy.org or call (919) 857-9000. If you would like to help your local Habitat with donations or labor, you may call them at (252) 808-2757, visit their website at www.cchfh.com or stop by their office in Morehead City at 15th and Bridges. The Habitat Resale Store full of recycled and new building materials, housewares, appliances and furniture is located at 205 Carl Garner Rd adjacent to the Newport Flea Mall off Hwy 70, phone 252.223.4493. More information on Habitat for Humanity International can be viewed at www.habitat.org.