Green Multi-family Affordable Housing Project First in the Nation to Earn Platinum Rating

Bedford, NH – August 28, 2008 – (RealEstateRama) — Nestled on a city block in the heart of Manchester is a multi-family home bursting with green initiative. In fact, the project is the first Platinum-rated multi-family LEED for Homes residence in the nation as well as the first Platinum rated residence of any kind in the state of New Hampshire. Not only is the project situated on the leading-edge of green building, but it is also spectacular in purpose.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority recently partnered with Child and Family Services of New Hampshire to help fund and develop the organization’s transitional living home, located on Union Street. Through programs provided by Child and Family Services, the new facility provides young adults who are aging out of the foster care system with a place to live while learning to be self-sufficient.

“We need to conserve our resources and make a statement about utilization of energy, so what better way than a green lifestyle,” said Mike Ostrowski, CEO and President of Child and Family Services of New Hampshire. “Child and Family Services takes pride in being at the forefront of social progress, and fostering a new generation of self-sufficient, responsible and environmentally conscious individuals is a big step toward building a brighter future for our communities.”

While getting a handle on what it takes to become successful and independent adults, these youths are living in New Hampshire Housing’s green building archetype. This model allows New Hampshire Housing to evaluate green building technologies, while also providing an urban example for other organizations considering green projects.

“New Hampshire Housing has committed itself to creating affordable housing opportunities that will also translate into energy and cost savings for home owners and renters throughout the state,” said Dean Christon. “Increasing energy efficiency is now more important than ever, and our external activities are mirrored by ongoing internal green practices that reduce our impact on the environment as an organization.”

Taking a proactive stance on green building, New Hampshire Housing raised the bar on this project, which has received a Platinum LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council through the LEED for Homes pilot program – the highest rating possible. While the Union Street property is an excellent example of green building, New Hampshire Housing has construction and design guidelines in place that potentially qualify all of its new structures for at least a Silver LEED rating.

LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes, which use less energy, water and natural resources, and provide a healthier living environment. 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. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home. For details on LEED for Homes and its rating system, visit www.usgbc.org.

Child and Family Services is dedicated to advancing the well-being of children by providing an array of social services to strengthen family life and by promoting community commitment to the needs of children. For information on its programs, visit www.cfsnh.org.

New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation established by the state legislature. The Authority operates a number of programs designed to assist low- and moderate-income persons to obtain housing. Since its inception, New Hampshire Housing has helped more than 37,000 families purchase their own homes and has been instrumental in financing the creation of more than 14,000 multi-family housing units. More information about its programs can be found on the agency’s Web site at www.nhhfa.org.

For Further Information, Please Contact: Jane Law, Director, Communications
Phone: 603-310-9255
Email: jlaw (at) nhhfa (dot) org