EcoBuild News

EcoBUILD certifies program’s 398th “green” home

More than 500,000 square feet of energy-efficient housing constructed since 2003 launch

In 2007, MLGW certified its 398th home, bringing the total conditioned space of energy-efficient homes built under the EcoBUILD program to 516,003 square feet. This certification volume was nearly double that of 2006.

While MLGW’s EcoBUILD standards focus heavily on energy efficiency measures which deliver lower utility bills, higher occupant comfort and better indoor air quality, the program also incorporates environmental aspects. From recycled content materials and paints with low levels of volatile organic compounds to detailed homeowner manuals and avoided emissions resulting from reduced electric usage, EcoBUILD-certified homes help residents “live green.”

Based on the average EcoBUILD-certified home’s annual energy savings per square foot and regional electric generation emissions calculations provided by the EPA’s Power Profiler, MLGW estimates that these 398 EcoBUILD homes, collectively, will reduce emissions equal to 1,471 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), 7.1 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and 2.6 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx)—per year!

Twenty-one builders have adopted EcoBUILD for one or more homes since the program’s launch in fourth quarter 2003. Half of participating builders have constructed and certified more than 10 homes through the green building program.

With the slowing of the homebuilding market, EcoBUILD experienced an increase in the number of inquiries, as builders looked for ways to differentiate their homes from the competition and attract buyers who are interested in low energy costs, as well as typical home amenities. MLGW expects to see an increase in the percentage of housing starts incorporating EcoBUILD in 2008.

Known construction projects for 2008 include: McKinley Park, a neighborhood of 30 market-rate homes; University Place, a complex of single-family, duplex, triplex and quad units on the site of the former Lamar Terrace housing project; TERRA, the University of Memphis’ sustainable design home in Uptown; another hundred or so market-rate homes in Uptown and MHA’s 72-unit Austin Park subdivision.

EcoBUILD is also being considered for an upscale 60-lot housing development in eastern Shelby County and Habitat for Humanity’s 37-home Trinity Park subdivision, plus several custom homes. This influx of energy-efficient housing will not only benefit homebuyers and occupants, but will also drive public awareness about the importance of energy-efficient measures taken during construction.