We can build more efficient, well-located homes by educating our community and ourselves about green building practices. In this way, we conserve natural resources, protect the environment, and serve our primary mission—to build and improve homes, neighborhoods, communities, and lives.
Low-income and traditionally marginalized communities are already more likely to experience housing instability, displacement, and health issues that are climate and pollution-related. Producing well-built, energy-efficient, affordable housing helps address environmental and housing inequities. Green building practices also create healthier homes (fresher air, lower VOCs, and lower carbon output) that can make a big difference in the quality of life of residents and the long-term viability of the structure.
Mountain Housing Opportunities has long been committed to providing housing that is not only affordable but environmentally sustainable. MHO’s green activities span our three active departments: Community Investments (Rental Development), Homeownership, and Essential Home Repair.
Our Community Investments department developed the Glen Rock Depot, a LEED Gold mixed-use building with 60 apartments over 9,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
All the new single-family homes built by our Homeownership department meet Energy Star energy-efficiency standards. The 68 new homes built through our Self-Help program meet Energy Star and SystemVision standards.
Our Essential Home Repair division also uses Green Built NC’s energy and water efficiency standards when selecting new equipment, fixtures, and appliances.
East Haven Apartments, Eagle Market Place Apartments, and Maple Crest at Lee Walker Heights have generated a lifetime total of 361 MWh, equivalent to planting 4,224 trees or removing 558,828 tons of CO2 emissions. Most apartment units are also Energy Star rated, helping save energy costs. All these renewable energy systems create environmental and economic benefits for our community and the residents we serve.