Habitat for Humanity Partnership - Early Experience

RESNET - Habitat for Humanity Partnership
Volunteer RESNET Energy Raters are pitching in to help Habitat Affiliates achieve their energy goals.
RESNET Certified Rater Directory | Example Case Study

Technical Assistance to Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI)
Americus, GA

Click here to read about the Building America partnership with RESNET and Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in the Fall edition of HFHI's Building Sustainability newsletter on page 8.

Partially because of Building America (and other DOE supported organizations) involvement with Habitat over the years, HFHI adopted ENERGY STAR as one of their two Best Construction Practices for all U.S. affiliates. Best Practices are used to evaluate affiliate status. This represents a major commitment to energy efficiency from the highest ranks of Habitat. Habitat affiliates are encouraged to consistently achieve Best Practices and the demand for ENERGY STAR ratings for Habitat affiliates is likely to surge as a result.

Between April 1, 2004 - March 31, 2005, FSEC researchers met with Habitat for Humanity International staff at HFHI headquarters in Americus, Georgia to discuss HabiBOP and a new Habitat initiative tentatively named “Habitat Better Built.” This new program will incorporate an energy package (HabiBOP, ENERGY STAR Rating, local program, etc.), green building concepts, outside air ventilation, and combustion safety-related criteria tailored for small, affordable homes. A program draft was submitted in 2002 and the US EPA ENERGY STAR Home Program committed to developing the technical option packages through ICF. ICF and BAIHP discussed the project and anticipated work beginning in April 2003.

The BAIHP-HFHI draft included a request to analyze additional Builder Option Packages (BOPs) for various Climate Zones as test runs for adding BOPs that emphasize envelope improvements over expensive equipment improvements. This is where the progress stalled and HabiBOPs remains a strong area of research need. The Jacksonville affiliate, HabiJAX, volunteered to pilot the HabiBOP Program in Year 5.

click here to view larger map

Structural Insulated Panel Construction Study, Plains, GA

Interior ducts are housed in a central corridor and connect to a heat pump in a central closet. Return air is drawn from each room through extra registers on the duct chase. A whole house fan at one end of the chase provides ventilation during shoulder seasons.

2003 Jimmy Carter Work Project (2003 JCWP)

Habitat International Director of Construction and Environment requested FSEC assistance for all three Carter Project affiliates: Calhoun County (AL) and LaGrange (GA). The JCWP affiliate in Valdosta (GA) did not request BAIHP assistance; however, a former Energy Monitor working at the Valdosta site organized an informal corps of volunteers to tackle air sealing and insulation details. The construction manager and executive director made the 2003 JCWP an example of high performance, high quality housing for affiliates and other builders in the region and consequently asked BAIHP for assistance in reviewing construction techniques.

Calhoun County HFH : The Calhoun County HFH affiliate (Anniston, Alabama) built 35 near Energy Star homes during the 2003 JCWP.

BAIHP worked closely with the mechanical contractor and the construction supervisors prior to the build to bring the initial HERS ratings of 78 up to 86. Though the houses had been slated to be Energy Star, a miscommunication resulted in the air conditioning efficiency being SEER 10 instead of SEER 12. In Anniston’s mixed-humid climate the difference was enough to drop HERS ratings below the 86 target. However, the homes are much more efficient than the previous convention and many volunteers were exposed to energy efficient design and construction as well as combustion safety design (Figure right). Radon mitigation systems were provided by an Alabama environmental group.

Congress Build America (CBA)

At the event, Michelle Connor, Executive Director of Almost Heaven HFH, and John Reisenweber, District Field Represntative for Representative Capito were presented with DOE approved “Certificates of Recognition” for their dedication to building energy-efficient, durable affordable homes.

According to HFHI’s Congress Building America estimates, about 100 houses will be built by Habitat affiliates working in partnership with members of U.S. Congress. The MOU between the affiliates and the HFHI includes language making the Building America technical review part of the standard process. BAIHP is working with Ren Anderson at NREL to develop the details of the technical review now. We will keep you posted on progress.

Washington D.C. Following this field work, BAIHP researchers attended HFHI’s Urban Conference in Washington D.C. where they talked about the technical support being available to Habitat’s CBA affiliates (and other affiliates). Response was very positive. Mr. Edward Pollock and George James attended a CBA luncheon and addressed the group with an introduction into Building America and our systems engineering approach.

J. McIlvaine visited the office of Senator Bill Nelson, a native of Brevard County, home of the Florida Solar Energy Center, and met with Ms. M. Bridget Walsh, Deputy Legislative Director, introducing her to Building America program and encouraging Senator Nelson’s office to participate in the Congress Building America project.

Troup-Chambers HFH (LaGrange, Georgia): The executive director for this affiliate adopted the Energy Star goal and spearheaded the construction of 22 Energy Star homes during the 2003 JCWP (Figure below). Four plans were rated and scores ranged from 86.5 to 88.5. BAIHP consulted with the affiliate on window specifications, insulation levels, AC efficiency, and air sealing details particularly with regard to the air handler closets which were previously built with return plenums open to the attic. The affiliate plans to continue building using the JCWP specifications.

Habitat for Humanity Affiliates

Alabama Affiliates

Transom return air pathway with operable louvers blends in with the vernacular aesthetics of this DESIGNhabitat Energy Star home built in conjunction with Auburn University’s College of Architecture.

Alabama: Auburn HFH

David Hinson from the Auburn University College of Architecture contacted BAIHP about a prototype “DESIGNhabitat” home. Three Energy Star homes have now been built with the local Habitat affiliates in Auburn. The prototype will be offered to affiliates statewide through the Alabama Association of Habitat Affiliates (AAHA) and non-profit Design Alabama. AHA requested indoor air quality and combustion safety testing plus design input on the prototype home in 2002 and 2003. The design features vernacular touches that enhance energy efficiency such as the screened front porch, operable transoms over doors (for ventilation and return air flow), metal roofing, and large overhangs (Figure right). A sealed combustion closet for the gas water heater, sealed and tested ducts, and high efficiency heating and cooling complete the energy package

Alabama: Birmingham HFH

In 2001, BAIHP researchers tested and rated 3 homes for this affiliate and provided the local construction manager with energy analysis and recommendations. Birmingham HFH continues to Energy Star homes in 2004 - many with HUD approved safe room construction.

Alabama: Calhoun County HFH
Please see 2003 JCWP above, in the summary of work conducted with HFHI.

Florida Affiliates

Florida: Jacksonville (HabiJAX) HFH

This affiliate, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of Habitat’s most productive alliances. In anticipation of HabiJAX involvement in the HabiBOP pilot program, BAIHP completed preliminary HERS ratings on planned homes. Follow-up test results indicate that HabiJAX is a good candidate for the program, particularly after the construction manager agreed to incorporate a ventilation strategy and energy efficient lighting into their home designs.

Florida: East Orange County HFH

After attending courses and seminars taught by BAIHP staff over several years, this affiliate’s construction manager began building interior duct systems. One of those homes was tested in April and found to be well separated from the unconditioned attic above as desired.

Florida: Lakeland HFH

Florida: Alachua HFH

Florida H.E.R.O. has worked with Alachua Habitat for Humanity for many years. Currently the affiliate is building a subdivision called Celebration Oaks. Summary of specifications is provided in Table below.

Georgia Affiliates

Georgia: Atlanta HFH

Energy simulations were conducted for insulated concrete form (ICF) homes in Houston and Atlanta. Comparative studies could be conducted in both cities since the same floor plans will be used to build ICF and wood frame homes in those areas. Simulation results from the homes were evaluated to develop suggested improvements that would bring the homes to Energy Star levels. The Houston affiliate is planning a 100-home development and is looking for home performance strategies that would allow them to reach Energy Star at a minimum. Simulations using the measured test data were conducted and recommendations made for their consideration.

The Atlanta home will incorporate substantial thermal mass with concrete ceilings and concrete interior walls. Simulations on the thermal mass benefits were completed and reported. These simulations focused on the use of thermal mass to reduce the size of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Georgia: LaGrange (Troup-Chambers) HFH
Please see 2003 JCWP above.

Georgia: Sumter County HFH

This affiliate attended several courses and seminars taught by BAIHP staff in recent years. As a result, in 2000 the Sumter construction manager began building interior duct systems. One of those systems was tested in March 2002, as part of the Air Handler Air Tightness Study, and found to be connected to the unconditioned attic above. These results were similar to findings in BAIHP’s sister project on Interior Duct Systems. After discussions at the April construction roundtable, modifications were made to the construction approach which became part of their standard building practice for the affiliate.

As of 2003, Sumter County HFH is no longer building houses because all remaining qualifying residents have declined partnership.

Ohio Affiliates

A utility grant program in Ohio spurred a broad interest among HFH affiliates in reaching Energy Star level. Affiliate homes built to the Energy Star standard in the utility’s service area will receive a grant that equals the cost of the home. Several affiliates acquired the Example Energy Star Packages from HFHI’s web site and called to discuss them. In response to this interest, HFHI conducted a workshop in early July 2002 attended by sixty people. Subsequently, all affiliates (~30) attending the course have built and had certified at least one Energy Star home. Each has collaborated with a local certified HERS rater. Several affiliates contacted BAIHP to clarify aspects of the process and only one affiliate experienced difficulty with the certifying process and received direct support from BAIHP.

Louisiana Affiliates

FSEC arranged a partnership with Superior Environments in Metarie to provide support to the Baton Rouge HFH affiliate’s April Energy Star home “blitz build.” Four high efficiency homes were built during the 2002 blitz build. Though all home met Energy Star status, documentation has not yet been received that the homes were registered. (Please see Table below.)

Nevada Affiliates

FSEC was contacted by Portland Cement Association (PCA) to collaborate on an HFH house planned for the 2003 Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. This collaboration was a joint effort between BAIHP, PCA, and the Las Vegas Habitat for Humanity.

BAIHP completed an initial home design analysis for the Albuquerque HFH which was revised with feedback from the affiliate. Final recommendations were submitted to Albuquerque HFH to assist them in reaching Energy Star status.

Tennessee Affiliates

Tennessee: Loudon County HFH

In partnership with Oak Ridge, BAIHP prepared to instrumented a second zero energy home (ZEH) built by Loudon County (TN) HFH - their fourth (Figure right). BAIHP previously instrumented and collected data on ORNL’s behalf from Loudon County’s first ZEH which showed results of $80 net annual electric cost and an ACEEE paper was authored by ORNL and FSEC. The affiliate has provided valuable feedback on the SIP construction process to other interested affiliates. The fourth ZEH, like the first one, features SIP construction, a PV array, a heat pump water heater with damper to harvest cool dehumidified air in the summer, high performance windows, optimum orientation, overhang shading, and interior ducts. The model also features poured walls in the walkout basement with a side by side comparison of damp-proofing products. Data is available on-line at www.infomonitors.com.

Texas Affiliates

Texas: Ellis County HFH

This affiliate reports that they have been building Energy Star homes and now are interested in moving toward a Zero Energy Home similar to the Loudon County HFH project in Tennessee.

Texas: Houston HFH

In 2001, BAIHP completed a preliminary evaluation of the concrete homes built in partnership between Houston HFH and the Portland Cement Association. Staff tested and rated the homes in January 2002 and made recommendations for reaching beyond Energy Star to the Building America standard. Later that year, the affiliate’s construction manager reported that they were now implementing BAIHP energy efficiency, durability, and indoor air quality recommendations. Final home design recommendations included construction of a passive ventilation system and an interior duct system. In 2004, this affiliate reported that all homes (~100) built since FSEC’s 2002 recommendations have exceed Energy Star (rated by local utility) and have passive fresh air ventilation ducted to the air handler with a separate, soffit-mounted filter.

Washington State University (WSU) Assistance

Regional and National Training Activities with HFHI

April 2010 - WSU worked with Ed Brown (Washington Habitat State Support Organization) to develop a presentation for the Affordable Comfort Institute conference, conducting billing analysis, REM/Rate simulations and occupant survey data evaluation. A presentation was made.

September 2010 - WSU worked with Brown to develop a presentation about changes in the Northwest Energy Star program for affiliates participating in the Partners in Sustainable Building Program.

October 2010 - WSU worked with Ed Brown of Habitat International to develop and present an ENERGY STAR Version 3 presentation to affiliates participating in the Partners in Sustainable Building Program.

WSU Technical Assistance to Habitat for Humanity - BAIHP staff at WSU continued to work with Ed Brown, a staff member of Habitat for Humanity International’s Washington State Support Office to certify homes for Energy Star and northwest performance testing standards as well as HERS ratings. WSU also continued to work directly with Washington State Habitat affiliates to qualify over 210 homes to Northwest Energy Star standards (including 45 in November 2008-October 2009). WSU provided technical assistance and outreach to other Northwest Habitat affiliates, including:

HFH Rainer Vista development, South King County Habitat for Humanity (Seattle) (left), Owens Corning Energy Complete demonstation (right)

Washington: South King County Habitat, Seattle

In 2009, WSU conducted three design charrettes and follow-up for communities including Rainier Vista (Figure, left) and Megan’s Meadow, as well as providing general technical assistance and design consultation. This affiliate and WSU staff worked together to evaluate Energy Complete, a new Owens Corning air sealing system, which facilitates the use of airtight drywall (Figure, right) in a prototype home. The home also included blown-in fiberglass walls and foam sheathing.

The affiliate was finishing Highpoint and Rainier Vista developments (four homes in each) in 2010. The homes showed significant attention to air leakage detail (homes tested out at about 3.0 ACH50 on average) but didn’t qualify for Energy Star requirements for electrically-heated homes (2.5 ACH50.) The first of two LEED qualified Habitat homes was completed in April 2010 but did not receive LEED certification (pending landscaping detail). Second home completed drywall.

Technical assistance was provided to affiliate on procurement of single-wide HUD code homes in May 2010. Final LEED-H inspections were conducted in June 2010 for two homes in Pacific, WA. Pacific 2 achieved blower door results of 2.37 ACH50. Construction techniques included air-tight drywall w/EDPM gaskets + Lessco air-tight electrical box housings. Mechanical system included N.G. unit heater w/electrical resistance backup + N.G. on-demand DHW. A LEED-H initial points meeting was held for Meagan’s Meadow (9 single family dwellings) with LEED Gold targeted. Strategies to include ductless heat pump technology.

As of August 2010, this WSU Habitat partner’s Meagan Meadows project was on hold awaiting funding. WSU also met with King County Housing Authority and Habitat staff to discuss opportunities for research at Wonderland Estates Mobile Home Park. The park contains weatherized manufactured homes, with room for additional single-wide homes. WSU is working with the housing authority to develop specifications for the single wide homes. A preliminary site visit was conducted at Wonderland with housing authority and Habitat staff.

Washington: Grant County HFH

In 2004, WSU staff began providing technical support to Habitat for Humanity for two site-built projects in Olympia, WA (marine climate) and Grant Co. (cold climate). Technical support included HVAC design, EnergyGauge analysis and field testing assistance. WSU continued to evaluate these homes.

The Grant country home utilized standard construction materials and framing, ENERGY STAR HVAC, lighting and appliances. This home moved 100% of the duct system into the conditioned space; from the attic, crawlspace and garage where it was to be installed, at little or no additional cost.

HFH of Greater Moses Lake (WA) ENERGY STAR Home

• Floor over crawlspace R-30 • Walls 2x6 R-21 • ENERGY STAR dishwasher • Whole house ventilation meeting

Washington: HFH of Greater Moses Lake

WSU BAIHP staff worked with this affiliate to build a home (Figure left) that was among the first to be certified under the ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest program in the state. With additional assistance from Grant Count PUD, Habitat exceeded ENERGY STAR program specifications for heat pump efficiency, glazing, ceiling insulation, lighting and envelope tightness.

Features included:

• Heat Pump HSPF=8.25, SEER=13.6
• Air handler and all duct work in conditioned space
• 4.0 ACH50 tested envelope tightness
• 128 ft2 glazing U=0.32
• Lighting – 95% Energy Star lamps
• Electric water heating EF=0.93
• Ceiling R-49

Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code Built in 2004 in a 6835 heating degree day climate with occupants. This all-electric home used only 11,041 kWh of electricity (1.1 kWh/ft2-yr) in the first year of occupancy. Total metered energy use (11,041 kWh) conformed closely to the total modeled energy use (11,107 kWh) predicted by the EnergyGauge program (see results).

Washington: Greater Puget Sound HFH

In 2004, WSU staff began providing technical support to Habitat for Humanity for a site-built project in Olympia, WA (marine climate). Technical support included HVAC design, EnergyGauge analysis and field testing assistance. The Olympia home highlighted the challenges of integrating "green" technologies such as Icynene insulaiton and Rastra block wall. The home also used instant flow gas-combo hydronic HVAC and HRV systems, ENERGY STAR lighting, appliances, and was built "solar ready". WSU continued to evaluate these homes; case studies were completed in spring 2006.

Washington: Pierce County Habitat, Tacoma

Conducted phone charrette on Larabee Terrace, development of twelve units including one BA Prototype with a gas combination space heating and water heating system, Broan Smart Sense ventilation controls, foam sheathed walls, and PV. The predicted HERS Index was 49. Blower door testing indicated envelope leakage ranging from 3.2 to 6.5 ACH50 for homes in the development; the demonstration home tested at 3.9 ACH50.

During 2010, WSU supported that the construction of Habitat homes in WA State achieving tighter blower door tests were the result of greater air-sealing efforts by crews and the employment of air-tight drywall technique. Several affiliates were moving from all-electric heating strategies to either natural gas unit heaters or ductless heat pumps, coupled with back-up resistance type heating in bedroom areas. Activities included certifying all homes to NW ENERGY STAR using combination on-demand DHW/in-floor radiant space heating. WSU also coordinated with this affiliate on a new project in May 2010 using ductless mini-split heat pumps, SIP roof, and foam wall sheathing. Four additional homes were certified in May 2010.

Washington: Colville County HFH Partners

WSU met with the HFH board in January 2010 about possibly including ENERGY STAR specifications in a new development, Victory Park (8 units, two per year.) However, the board did not yet make a decision.

Washington: Mason County HFH (WA)

WSU consulted with this affiliate on an Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard protocol and hardboard requirements for behind tub/shower assemblies. This affiliate elected to pursue Built Green certification, as administered by the MBA of Olympia. Space heating included single head DHP in common area + zonal electric resistance in bedrooms.

The home was verified in June 2010 to meet NW ENERGY STAR compliance and achieved blower door tests results of 2.30 ACH50. These were the best test results to date of WA State HFH houses. The affiliate hangs its own GWB with an air-tight drywall technique that includes caulking the perimeter of each GWB piece installed.

Washington: South Puget Sound HFH (WA)

This affiliate received $60,000 in Housing Trust Fund money in Winter 2010 awards for 3 units in Shepherd’s Grove. Will require compliance with Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard.

Washington: Spokane HFH

WSU worked with the affiliate to implement ENERGY STAR specifications in future projects. In 2010, they were using atmospheric vented gas unit heaters.

Washington: East King County

WSU provided technical assistance to and participated in a design charrette with East King County HFH in February 2010. Assistance was in support of La Fortuna development buildings 5 and 7 (first to be built in development). Development will total 8 buildings and a total of 41 units. WSU conducted a duct blaster test at Snoqualmie Ridge Project. The system tested below ENERGY STAR Northwest standards (6% of conditioned floor area at CFM50 and duct blaster testing at Snoqualmie Ridge Project. The system tested below ENERGY STAR Northwest standards (6% of conditioned floor area at CFM50).

Also in 2010, the final home was completed in the Snoqualmie Ridge development. Duct blaster tests were conducted at Issaquah Highlands Project on four units in June 2010. All units failed to meet NW ENERGY STAR standard. The subcontractor was called back to perform additional sealing of the duct system and reported successful compliance upon self-testing.

Other Washington Affiliates

Washington: Clallam County HFH, Port Angeles

The affiliate is using a modified technical compliance option for ENERGY STAR compliance, an ERV, R-6.5 exterior foam, and heating with in-floor radiant off of the electric resistance hot water tank. One unit was under construction as of 2010 – affiliate planned to use air tight drywall to hit target envelope leakage of 3.5 ACH50. The affiliate also paid special attention to air sealing around the code-mandated fire sprinkler system. In February 2010, the affiliate used a modified technical compliance option for ENERGY STAR compliance, using an ERV, R-7.5 exterior foam, and heating with in-floor radiant off of the electric resistance hot water tank. One unit was under construction as of 2010 – affiliate planned to use air tight drywall to hit target envelope leakage of 3.5 ACH50. The affiliate also paid special attention to air sealing around the code-mandated fire sprinkler system.

Also in 2010, a fire sprinkler system was installed with mitigation for air leakage at retractable heads. A Northwest ENERGY STAR inspection and blower door test was conducted and verified on May 17th. Blower door results: 3.08 ACH50.

Washington, Island County HFH

In February 2010, the affiliate received $180,000 in Housing Trust Fund money in Winter 2010 awards to be used for six units in Building Hope. Required compliance with Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard Building program to include 2” of XPS insulated sheathing, furring strip w/ screening top and bottom for rain screen detail.

Washington, South Puget Sound HFH (WA)

This affiliate received $60,000 in Housing Trust Fund money in Winter 2010 awards, for 3 units in Shepherd’s Grove. Required compliance with Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard.

Washington: Ellensburg Area HFH/Kittitas County HFH

This affiliate was building their first house to ENERGY STAR NW certification for completion in May 2010. Wall composition: Hardie Board over ¼” XPS over ½” OSB over 2x6 cavity filled w/2” closed celled foam +3.5” fiberglass batt insulation. Space heating: 1.5 ton DHP w/ zonal electric in bedrooms. In June 2010, the house was verified to meet NW ENERGY STAR compliance and achieved blower door test results of 3.13 ACH50.

Washington: Kitsap County HFH

This Habitat affiliate installed a solar hot water heater system on one home. A previous report indicated that the system was offered to the affiliate at a discount, indicating a payback of about 26 years. However, the affiliate later clarified that the system was, in fact, donated by the vendor.

Washington: Tri-County Partners HFH

In 2010, this affiliate received $180,000 in Housing Trust Fund money in Winter 2010 awards for six units in Tierra Vida Phase 1C. Required compliance with Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard. Certifying homes to NW ENERGY STAR and Built Green.

Washington: Yakima Valley Partners

In February and March 2010, this affiliate was attempting to form a buying group for bulk purchase of Ductless Heat Pump Systems from Portland, OR area Heat Pump Store. The affiliate was looking to coordinate with Ellensburg, Seattle/South King Co., E. Jefferson Co., and Island Co. Area affiliates. As of April 2010, the affiliate was still attempting to form a buying group for bulk purchase of Ductless Heat Pump Systems from Portland, OR area Heat Pump Store, along with Ellensburg, Seattle/South King Co., E. Jefferson Co. and Island Co. Area affiliates. This affiiate received on-site consultation from the Island Co HFH (May 16, 2010) construction manager regarding best practice for XPS-insulated sheathing application. A blower door test was performed in May 2010 on one home that tested to 6.33 ACH50.

.