January 2011 - The 100th home for Habitat For Humanity Calgary recently received Platinum Certification as administered by the Built Green Society of Canada. Building 100 homes is a milestone in itself for the organization. To be coupled with the first Habitat For Humanity Calgary home to receive Platinum Certification is truly a testament to the many volunteers and sponsors that invested in this home.
The Alberta Real Estate Foundation provided $25,000 towards greening the home. “Not only was it the first time that a funding body chose to invest in these ‘green’ efforts, but, going forward, it also encourages HFH Calgary to continue to seek funding for this type of certification” cites Habitat For Humanity Fund Development Manager Andrea Hlady. “With funding support, we can protect our environment and create savings for a household living on a low income. This is a true “win-win” scenario.”
The family is expected to complete their family partnering requirements and move in before the end of 2010. Next to their mortgage, their energy costs are their most significant expense. Having a home that requires minimal energy to operate will have a profound effect on their ability to support themselves and their children. A home built to a high standard of energy efficiency is also a healthier environment for the family.
The next step at Habitat For Humanity Calgary is to expand their sponsorship program and seek funders who see the value in building in accordance with Built Green. This project connected with the Real Estate industry because both the industry and Habitat For Humanity Calgary are focused on connecting people to their communities through home ownership. The outcome of this connection is that the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and the industry are identified as environmental leaders, concerned with increasing environmental standards.
Visit Habitat For Humanity Calgary for more information.
Gael MacLeod presents Foundation cheque to Andrea Hlady, Fund Development Manager, Habitat For Humanity Calgary