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Case
Study:
Metro Denver Habitat for Humanity “Green” Program
Key design elements:
Solar water-heating system
Energy-efficient design and systems
Recycled materials
Water-conserving fixtures and
landscaping
Location: Denver,
Colorado
Developer: Metro Denver
Habitat for Humanity
Project year: 1997
Features:
The Green Program incorporates the
features of the first Green House in all projects the Metro Denver HFH builds today. They note that these features help future owners
save money through reduced utility bills.
Energy-saving features include:
Passive solar heating from large, south
facing, low-e insulated windows
Enhanced insulation
Exterior wall layout reduces lumber use
and thermal bridging
Programmable thermostat
Raised heel trusses
Two-foot overhangs shade the windows in
summer and allow for solar heat gain in
winter
Efficient gas furnace
Solar water-heating system that
provides 75 percent of the hot water needed
Compact fluorescent lighting throughout
Environmental and health features
include:
Active and passive solar heating design
Low volatile organic compound (VOC)
paint
Finger-jointed framing on partitions
Engineered floor joists
Synthetic carpet fiber composed of
recycled soft drink containers
Eco-Products decking consisting of
recycled wood and plastic composites
Xeriscaping landscape materials that
require far less water and maintenance
Low-flow toilets, faucets, and
showerheads
More Information: Habitat for Humanity International’s
Environmental Initiative
Pattern reference: 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 20
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