Energy company Dominion has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut to build Habitat’s first environmentally friendly and energy efficient “GREEN BUILD” home on Town Street in Hadlyme. This GREEN BUILD home is the third local Habitat home that Dominion has generously supported with volunteer resources and monetary funds. For Dominion, this is the second home in which it is the lead sponsor. A few of the questions guiding the GREEN BUILD entail considering what building materials to use and how to use the materials to generate less waste. Some of the more specific items/activities included in the GREEN build will be dual flush toilets provided by Covanta Energy of Southeastern CT, landscaping and native plantings by the Trillium Garden Club, rainwater harvesting, in addition to the Energy Star plus materials Habitat includes in every build. The LEED certification process will be monitored and scored by the Conservation Services Group (CSG).

GREEN homes create less waste during the construction process and, once built, consume less energy, water and natural resources, according to the LEED Web site. The new approach to building will reduce the environmental impact of construction and will lead to an energy efficient home that will help the soon to be owners, the Welsh family, minimize their energy bill. With energy efficiency and conservation a central part of this build, it makes for a nice synergy that Dominion is the lead supporter of this Habitat project. 

“Dominion and the employees at the Millstone Power Station are pleased to provide the financial resources as well as working side by side with Habitat for Humanity on this project. We are especially pleased this will be the first Habitat home in Connecticut to conform with the new LEED standards making it one of the most energy efficient in the region,” stated Dan Weekley, Managing Director-Northeast.

“Habitat is thrilled with Dominion’s interest in and sponsorship of this very special project. Their investment in this LEED certified home is a great opportunity for Habitat and our partners to learn how to build more efficiently and these lessons will be brought to all future projects. Dominion’s sponsorship in this home, will impact all future homes, and for their insight we are tremendously grateful”, stated Terri O’Rourke, Executive Director.

Green Build Story in The Day

LEED is an internationally recognized certification system that measures how well a building or community performs across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO₂ emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. A green home uses less energy, water and natural resources, creates less waste, and is healthier and more comfortable for occupants. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins.

About Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, GA. In 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information visit www.habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern ConnecticutHabitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut, in the spirit of sharing, builds decent and affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Habitat accomplishes this goal through the dedicated efforts of community volunteers, financial sponsors and partner families who find rewarding experiences by sharing their time, talents and resources. Our work to make a difference in the lives of others, fulfill the dream of home ownership and help eliminate sub-standard housing in Southeastern Connecticut. Organized in 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Southeastern Connecticut has constructed or rehabilitated 41 homes using volunteer labor and donated building material or material purchased with donated funds. The affiliate's work is made possible with donations from private citizens, foundations, corporations, civic groups or organizations, schools, government programs and area churches. Future homeowners work side by side with volunteers from the community. For more information visit www.habitatsect.org

About DominionDominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy and is headquartered in Richmond, VA. In New England, Dominion owns and operates four electric generating stations totaling approximately 4,900 megawatts, while additionally serving more than 60,000 retail customers. Here in Connecticut, Dominion has approximately 1,300 full-time employees who operate the Millstone Power Station located in Waterford. Dominion invests in organizations and programs that improve the quality of life in those communities in which the company provides service or has other business interests. The company contributes more than $20 million annually to these nonprofit organizations. Dominion is pleased to provide funding and volunteers to support this worthwhile project.