Raising a greener roof in Pontiac
Volunteer groups construct affordable eco-friendly home in Pontiac Raising a greener roof in Pontiac
By Tyler Cameron
The Oakland Press
September 6, 2008
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County raised the walls Thursday on a home that will make a family's dream come true in an environmentally friendly fashion.
The home, being built at 457 Ferry St. in Pontiac, will meet the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards, and is being touted as the first affordable "green" home in Southeast Michigan. Chrysler Financial and Gontina Building and Design are supporting Habitat in the project.
"Chrysler Financial is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work," Darryl Jackson, chief operating officer of Chrysler Financial, said in a statement. "We are extremely excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity to not only benefit the Pontiac area, but the environment as well. It is remarkable to see what can be accomplished by bringing together local businesses and community members committed to the same goal."
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization building affordable housing in partnership with people in need.
Chrysler Financial employees from the headquarters in Farmington Hills joined volunteers from Habitat, in association with Gontina Building and Design, which donated project planning, home design and consulting services to construct a one-story home using building materials from Michigan-based companies.
The completed home will use 30 percent to 50 percent less energy than other homes of similar size, saving the homeowner up to $1,000 per year in utility bills. In addition, the home will feature sustainable materials including bamboo and cork flooring and structural insulated panels, and will accommodate the potential for solar technologies in a variety of areas. Other features -- such as low-volatile, organic-compound paint and paperless drywall in the bathrooms -- will provide a healthier indoor environment.
"We are thrilled to have Chrysler Financial as a partner in this historic building project for Habitat," Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International, said in a statement.
"While green homes are becoming more commonplace, an affordable green home is almost unheard of. This home demonstrates not only what a community can do to help a family in need, but also how to reduce a home's impact on the environment at the same time."
Amber Gowen, who works in communications at Chrysler Financial, called the project "a win-win for everyone."
"The project, which strives to become the standard in building and design for Habitat, is on its way with the hard work from the volunteers of Chrysler Financial, Habitat and Gontina Building and Design, and the result will provide a family in need with a green home."
The home will be sold to a qualified low-income family for a price that equals the Habitat cost of construction, which will be approximately $97,000.
The completion of the project will be celebrated during a formal ceremony on Oct. 11, when the new owner will be presented with the keys to her green home.