Habitat Denver is nation's first affordable builder to partner on EPA's New Homes Programs

Jim Martin (EPA) presents Heather Lafferty (HFHMD)
with the 2011 EPA Partner of the Year Award.

September 14^th, 2011 was a cold and gray day in Golden, CO, but not even the threatening rain clouds could wipe the smile off of Wendy’s face at the groundbreaking for her new Habitat home. Not only did this day mark the beginning of a new life for Wendy, but it was also the first step in a revolutionary partnership between Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver (HFHMD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Wendy’s home will be the first affordable house in the nation to implement all three of the EPA’s home building standards into a single home. These three measures, ENERGY STAR, WaterSense and Indoor airPLUS, are meant to provide a cleaner home and environment, as well as drastically reduce utility costs for residents.

HFHMD has committed to building all future homes beginning in 2012 to the EPA’s New Homes Programs. We have been building our homes to the ENERGY STAR criterion for over a decade, which has saved residents an average of $200 to $400 in energy costs each year. By combining this with the WaterSense and Indoor airPLUS design, HFHMD hopes to create even more efficient and safe homes for our residents.

Dozens of EPA and HFHMD members joined together with Golden residents to celebrate this momentous occasion at the groundbreaking ceremony. Golden Mayor Pro Tem, Karen Oxman, was there to welcome Wendy to the neighborhood. EPA Regional Administrator, Jim Martin, and HFHMD CEO, Heather Lafferty also spoke about the importance of building energy efficient homes.

Wendy said she is so grateful to be working with HFHMD and becoming the first homeowner involved in this initiative. “I couldn’t ask for anything more!” she said.