The Green Scene

YouthBuild Lake County is now Green. In the spring of 2009, YBLC and Habitat for Humanity Lake County received a combined $250,000 grant from the Lake County Planning and Development Department to build green homes. In return, we have committed to build 5 green homes that meet Energy Star efficient standards in Lake County.  Construction on the first of these homes began in September 2009.  Below you will find some of the forward-looking “green” elements being incorporated into these energy-efficient affordable homes.

Exterior Green Elements

Cellulose Insulation- An alternative to spray foam and fiberglass insulation, cellulose consists of 75%-85% recycled paper fiber (usually post-consumer waste newsprint.) The remaining 15% is a fire retardant.  Even after settling, cellulose has a higher insulation value than fiberglass. And because it‘s 3 times denser than fiberglass, it also provides better sound insulation. Cellulose does not release greenhouse gases, unlike spray foam.  The flame retardant also repels insects, pests, and mold.

High Performance Windows- Improved window technology reduces heat transfer — multiple panes and non-toxic gas fills insulate better; Low-E glass reflects light and UV rays reducing the solar radiation that can fade fabrics; and warm edge spacers reduce heat flow and condensation.  (Donated by Anderson Windows and Doors)

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) – used in poured concrete foundations.  The concrete is poured into the poly-styrene forms and then hardens into the foundation wall. When the concrete hardens, it becomes chemically bonded to the poly-styrene thus providing a drastic increase in the R value (insulation capacity) of the foundation wall. The increased insulation requires less energy to heat and cool the home. The poly-styrene acts as a vapor barrier protecting the foundation walls from moisture.  This also increases the sound insulation.

Permeable Pavers- Porous pavers allow rain to seep into the soil beneath them. (Donated by Krugel Kobbles, Inc.)

Rain Gardens- Excess water runoff is absorbed by plantings in areas where water would normally accumulate.

Reused Bricks- By reusing brick salvaged from a previous building, resources are conserved. (Donated by Esche & Lee, Inc.)

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)- These preassembled panels, used as insulated walls, are 15 times more air tight and 2 times more energy efficient than conventional stick building construction.  Composed of 4 to 10 inches of poly-styrene sandwiched between engineered boards, they create an air-tight seal around the house.  The increased insulation requires less energy to heat and cool and less time to install. The results mean lower labor cost, lower heating and air-conditioning bills, and less site waste.

Interior Green Elements

Energy Efficient Exhaust Fans- These installed fans help cool the building by pulling hot air out of the top of the building, and pulling cooler air into bottom. (Donated by GE)

Energy Star Appliances- Energy efficient appliances allow families to save money while saving the environment.

High Efficiency HVAC System- recovers more heat in the combustion process than normal furnaces. Utilizes more of the lost heat (Donated by Efficient Heating & Cooling)

LED Lights- Shatterproof LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are more efficient than conventional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.   They can create the equivalent output of r75-100 watt incandescent bulbs using only 3-13 watts.  LEDs have a lifespan of 50,000 hours versus only 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. They will last 10 years and pay for themselves in just 1 through energy savings.  Because light is created through electroluminescence, LEDs are cool to the touch and contain no hazardous chemicals.

Low VOC Paint- Paints with little to no volatile organic compounds do not produce noxious paint fumes. Using them improves air quality and reduces harmful contaminants in land fill and ground water.

Tankless water heater- This water heating device heats the water as it flows through the system. Tankless water heaters do not retain any water and help reduce energy costs.  (Donated by Lennox Inc.)

Water Conserving Fixtures- Low consumption toilets conserve and faucet and shower aerators increase the velocity of water. Rain barrels are used to capture rain water runoff for garden.