Healthy Building Network Honors Habitat for Humanity

The Healthy Building Network (HBN) presented its 2004 Healthy Building Leadership Award to the nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry Habitat for Humanity. HBN and Greenpeace met with Neville Eastwood, director of construction and environmental research for Habitat for Humanity International in 2000 to discuss the possibility of eliminating polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from Habitat homes. The team decided to build a model PVC-free home, focusing on healthy building materials, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. The New Orleans affiliate, led by executive director Jim Pate, embraced the project and completed the model home, with help from architect Bruce Hampton, AIA, of Allison, Massachusetts. The Puget Sound affiliate, led by construction supervisor Jerry Fugich, is nearing completion of a second PVC-free, energy-efficient home, designed with help from local green building experts, local suppliers, and Evergreen State College students.

HBN recognized Eastwood and Habitat for Humanity International for “the initial commitment, sticking to their principles in the face of criticism, and seeing through to completion of the PVC-free home”; Pate and the New Orleans affiliate were recognized for “getting the job done”; and Fugich and the Puget Sound affiliate were recognized for their “initiative and collaboration.” Details are online at www.healthybuilding.net.