Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Demonstration Project

FSEC conducted analysis and Thermal Bypass Inspections for Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast homes in various stages of construction in June 2007. FSEC prepared a detailed report providing guidance on how to correct the many deficiencies found with regard to the Thermal Bypass Checklist. The affiliate expressed interest in achieving ENERGY STAR, however the demands of the 2007 Jimmy Carter Work Project precluded progress until 2008. In the spring of 2008, this affiliate was chosen to participate in the pilot phase of the Habitat for Humanity International Partners in Sustainable Building program. After attending training conducted by BAIHP and other building scientists for the pilot affiliates in October of 2008, the construction manager contacted BAIHP and committed to building two prototype demonstration homes meeting a HERS Index of 70 or less (see BAIHP recommended Gulf Coast Package). The first prototype was completed (Figure 1, left) in December of 2008 with final inspection, testing and rating in January of 2009. It exceeded its target goal with a HERS Index of 69. This affiliate completed their second prototype home (Figure 1, right) in May of 2009 with a HERS Index of 71.