Green building

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco's commitment to the community goes beyond building homes. It also supports a sustainable environment for families and the future. Over the last decade, there has been a growing consciousness about the built environment's impact on climate change and health. In fact, experts have cited buildings as the single largest contributor to global warming. The shift to green-building has steadily gained ground. That means reducing waste, using more energy-efficient and earth-friendly materials, and providing healthier and safer indoor environments.

Green from the start

Winner of the 2011 Green Building Award from Sustainable San Mateo County, Habitat constructs homes with an eye towards reducing the overall cost of ownership while creating a healthier environment for partner families-making homes more energy efficient and reducing toxic construction materials.

By partnering with organizations like Global Green USA, GRID Alternatives, The Performing Home, Air Movement and PG&E, Habitat is able to build green without transferring costs to Habitat families-in some cases they are even able to save more! In addition, using Build It Green's Greenpoint Rating on new construction enables Habitat to benchmark and evaluate which measures have the greatest impact or the lowest cost.

Why build green?

It's healthy. Habitat's use of non-toxic materials is especially important in protecting children from respiratory and other diseases.

It's sustainable. Habitat reclaims and recycles leftover materials, minimizing the use of natural resources, and reducing the impact on the land.

It's affordable. Solar paneling-one of many green building practices at Habitat Greater San Francisco-saves homeowners up to $500 per year on their electricity bills. This allows families to invest more in health care or other household necessities.