Habitat Net Zero Home Takes Center Stage at Intl Greenbuild Conference in Phoenix

Two Projects Selected as Legacy of Greenbuild

• On the Commons is building a Solar Commons Demonstration Project in the Valley and exhibiting its unique design structure and business plan at a prominent Greenbuild Exhibit at the Phoenix Civic Center. The Solar Commons is a unique initiative that puts public right of way to multiple use by installing renewable energy equipment in municipal right of way and partnering with cities to direct the income stream from solar energy sales into a public trust to maintain and grow the system and to provide funds for the city’s affordable housing networks.
• As a public demonstration exhibit, the Solar Commons structure's goal is to educate GreenBuild attendees about energy projects in the right of way that offset energy bills in affording housing. In addition, attendees will gain insight into the partnerships, regulations, legal structures and requirements involved in individual cities implementing their very own Solar Commons project.
• Revenue generated by similar permanent Solar Commons installations within various Municipalities will go into a public trust that will be used to install more renewable energy projects in the right of way and offset energy bills in affordable housing.
• No one in the US has placed solar collectors in the public right of way with a business plan to let the system grow and pay for itself in addition to supporting a city's affordable housing network - this initiative is cutting edge and one-of-a-kind.
• The Solar Commons is supported financially and in kind by On the Commons, the Lodestar Foundation, the Greenbuild Legacy Project, the University of Phoenix, Kitchell Construction, Perfect Power, HDR, and other donors.
• The Project Team is managed by Kirby Spitler, AIA, LEED AP, and includes On The Commons, Green Ideas, HDR, Perfect Power, Kitchell Construction, Paragon Structural Engineers, the City of Phoenix and Legacy Project Committee.

Demonstration features include:

•  10 kW system with the ability to produce an estimated 18,300 kWh of green electricity
• Renewable energy that would displace 27,450 pounds of annual carbon dioxide production, roughly equivalent to ten years worth of emissions from a 20 mile round trip work commute in a Prius.

Download Fact Sheet:

          Solar Commons Legacy Project Fact Sheet

• Habitat will construct a new 1325 square foot three‐bedroom Net Zero Energy home, seeking LEED Platinum Certification, three miles from the Civic Center, at 20 N 27^th Dr, in the City of Phoenix Enterprise Community and Enterprise Zone.
• The Net Zero Energy home has demonstrated through energy modeling software that it will, on a yearly average, consume the same amount of energy that it produces, achieved through design considerations including: insulation and air tightness of the exterior walls and attic, the efficiency of the equipment installed, and the use of solar power.
• The long-term benefits mean lower energy bills, lower water bills, better indoor air quality, less homeowner maintenance and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Blitz Build activity takes place around the clock during GreenBuild, with volunteers participating during the day and trades and inspection activity, taking place at night.
• The home requires $118,350 in sponsorship cash and in‐kind donations and volunteers to build the home. The funds will be applied toward LEED certification, Net Zero Energy upgrades and general construction materials.
• Major sponsor for the project is: Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.
• Habitat has confirmed in‐kind donations from the following partners for this project: American Solar Electric, Building Innovation Industries, Southwest InSEALators, Whirlpool and Valspar

Download Fact Sheet:

         Net Zero Affordable Home Fact Sheet

For more information on the projects, contact Kelly Ehlers, LEED AP, at 602.531.5870 or via email.