IBACOS Supports Habitat for Humanity

Several months ago, IBACOS happened upon evidence that interest in energy efficient homes is spreading—in this case, right in our own neighborhood. When IBACOS employee Eric Newhouse learned that Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) was building three new homes in his East Liberty neighborhood, his curiosity led him to visit the site. Since then, IBACOS and HFHI have worked together on the homes, and HFHI has agreed to begin a Building America pilot home this fall.

Newhouse’s discovery just goes to show that the issues of home quality and performance are becoming more accessible and more widely adopted, even when affordability is paramount.

“I was impressed that Habitat for Humanity was taking steps towards energy efficiency. They had really done a lot of investigating and talking with manufacturers on their own,” said Newhouse.

Newhouse credited a HFHI staff member, Nathan Cunningham, with independently researching energy saving methods for the new homes in East Liberty, an urban Pittsburgh neighborhood. When Cunningham began his research, he found the Building America website to be a valuable resource. Cunningham investigated products for the new East Liberty homes with performance in mind. He identified options for purchasing low-e windows and secured a low-cost window supplier. By building a more energy efficient home, Cunningham hoped to make monthly bills more affordable for future homeowners.

Since Newhouse and Cunningham met on the construction site in East Liberty, IBACOS has agreed to work with HFHI in a two-step process that will bring the benefits of low energy homes to low income families. First, the two organizations will complete the current East Liberty homes with energy savings in mind. The second step will involve HFHI constructing a new Building America pilot home in Pittsburgh.

For the East Liberty homes, IBACOS has helped to improve the homes’ insulation systems, heating and cooling systems, and integration of those components with the structural systems. The homes will feature advanced framing methods that will use materials cost effectively and allow for more insulation. The homes will also feature open web floor trusses that will keep the ductwork in conditioned space. Overall, it’s expected the home will have improved thermal performance in both hot and cold weather, reduced condensation, and better durability. In addition to technical expertise and marketing support, the IBACOS staff also volunteered a day of labor on site, working to install insulation and roofing material.

After completing the East Liberty homes, Habitat for Humanity will build a pilot home this fall as part of Building America. Plans for the pilot home are still in preliminary stages but will involve making further improvements. Other planned features of the home include structural insulated panels (SIPs) for exterior walls and roof and a fully insulated foundation system. In August, Habitat for Humanity, IBACOS, and a manufacturer of SIPs will meet to complete the engineering and design for the project, including discussions on thermal analysis, heating and cooling, and the floor layout.

Previously at IBACOS