Evansville, Indiana (March 17, 2009) – Habitat for Humanity of Evansville and members of its Green Team announced today a special Green Build that will include energy efficient components not seen in Habitat homes before. This Green Build will be the first step in Habitat for Humanity of Evansville’s quest for its homes to become more environmentally friendly and economically efficient for homeowners.

“We’re very excited about this opportunity to implement a greener design into our construction model,” said Lori Reed, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville.

The Green Team partners are Alcoa Warrick Operations, Integra Bank, Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana, Vectren and VPS Architecture.

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville already does many things to help families save energy, such as installing natural gas furnaces that are 92 percent energy efficient and fully insulating walls and ceilings to standards. And Habitat homes are on average 1,200 square feet, making heating and cooling them cost a lot less.

This Green Build, however, will have many more energy efficient features, such as programmable thermostats, energy star appliances and additional insulation in the walls. Habitat is also preparing a homeowner education manual that will provide homeowners instructions on how to get the most out of these Green components, including how to program their thermostats and how to maintain their furnaces.

Habitat will compare the costs of these Green components, estimated at approximately $4,000, with homeowner savings to determine whether more Green Builds will be built in the future. The Habitat mission is to provide simple, decent and affordable housing to low-income families. Continued Green Builds will depend on sustainable streams of funding for this project.

About Habitat for Humanity of Evansville
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is a nonprofit Christian ministry whose mission is to build and sell simple, decent houses to hardworking families in Vanderburgh and Posey counties. We partner with individuals, churches, businesses and civic organizations who share our vision to make adequate, affordable housing for all a matter of conscience and action.

To be eligible, families must have incomes at or below 60 percent of the area median income. They must have a need for housing, be willing to contribute 300 hours in sweat equity and have the ability to pay their mortgage based on a 25-year, no-interest loan.

For more information, go to www.evansvillehabitat.org or call (812) 423-5623.