The document discusses the process of building affordable housing units that are also energy efficient. It describes 3 phases of construction with the goal of first making the homes affordable, then adding energy efficiency features. Partnerships with local organizations helped in providing training, materials, and design expertise to construct homes that were both low-cost and met Energy Star standards.

1. PREPARE YOURSELF Who Will Manage This For You? What is their experience level? Energy Conservation Green Resources Training opportunities Florida Solar Energy Center Green Building Certification programs FSEC overview and comprehension ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

2. WHAT WERE WE THINKING? Phase 1 - not “Energy Star” , just affordable Weatherization training prepared us for proper sizing of HVAC and optimizing or “gaming” the software . Phase 2 - retrofitted to meet “Energy Star” . Cost upgrades split with the builder, in return for his tax credits Phase 3 – change insulation types, truss re-design, and upgrade bath exhaust fans. ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902 FIRST THINK “AFFORDABLE”, THEN “GREEN”

3. WHAT WAS OUR GOAL? Our first focus was low maintenance and quality construction. Low utility bills were important. Our “Energy Star” education began with the energy rater who argued the importance of Cost vs. Value of Energy Star upgrades - What were the simplest cost effective measures? Windows, HVAC sizing, insulation - Increased marketability – low utility bills and indoor air quality- “verified” ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

4. PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES Who do you need? A builder with an interest in affordable housing An Architect- with similar experience Local government- How will they help? Energy rater, FYN representative Identify housing programs that will support your efforts: 1) At what stage can the program help? 2) What threshold requirements from the programs? ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

5. PARTNERS Who leads the design discussions? Find a builder who is creative, has an interest in affordable housing and a good business background - unless you do Find community partners with related interests: University of Florida Extension Service Pedro Menendez High School masonry program Local government Housing Office ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

6. Builder and Energy rater ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

7. UF EXTENSION SERVICE THE HANCOCK PLACE RE-DESIGN OF RENTENTION POOL ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

8. PEDRO MENENDEZ HIGH SCHOOL Masonry Apprenticeship Program ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

9. WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM? WHAT DO THEY EARN? Ask yourself: What does each of the partners need? Fee for service - inspection fees or construction earnings Publicity - recognition of program services What do they (including you) do for the partnership? Who carries the risk of building? Who is responsible for financial management of the project? Who finds and educates the home buyers? Who makes final design changes? ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

10. ENERGY RATER Find an “Energy Star” rater who has a background in construction There is a learning curve. Must build trust with the builder and subcontractors Energy Star construction is at a higher performance level - it produces a better product - but it may not be “the way we have always done it” Clarify potential benefits - for builder and buyer ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

11. ENERGY STAR BENEFITS Energy Efficient mortgage - produces the form for your lender 1 st Step in Green Building certification Training in construction techniques-long term value for construction partners 3 rd Party construction inspections- quality assurance - “building to code” may not meet energy star- pre and post construction help Possible tax credit for builder ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

13. BENEFIT TO BUYERS Our Energy Star ratings adds $6,500 to the appraised value (with only a $3,500 investment from us) Energy efficient mortgages help the buyer to qualify, if needed Energy and Water Conservation - long term utility cost savings for the buyer Improved Indoor Air Quality / Reduced Call Backs Problem: Getting Appraisers to recognize green/or Energy Star improvements- value must meet sales price ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902 ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

15. COST vs. BENEFITS $ 3,500 per home Costs (other than construction): Energy rating certification fee = $ 500 -$ 600 per home Benefit - Energy Efficient Mortgage/ Builder Tax Credit Water Star certificate - additional $ 200 -$ 350 Benefit - Water Star Certification FGBC Green Certification - $ 200 Benefit - Down payment certification and marketing plus Benefits : Our low 70 Energy Star index gives our builder/ for-profit partner a $2,000 tax credit- per home ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902 ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

16. GETTING THE “GREEN” IS ALL ABOUT THE SCORE The rater inputs your plans and related material choices “ It’s one big math problem” For Green certification (the Florida Green Building Coalitions' checklist), we earn more points with lower Energy Star rating. We experimented with various material changes ( and the respective cost differences)to see the impact on the energy score. Sustainable Development- storm water design and FYN landscape score well ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902 ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

17. “ FIRST GREEN CERTIFIED HOUSE IN ST JOHNS COUNTY” “ Green starts with Energy Star Blue " Affordable first. Low maintenance construction, energy and water saving measures were all selected to keep the homeowners maintenance costs low. With a strong HERS score, water conservation and hurricane shutters, we met our green score. We used very little “green” products; no green paint, no green carpet, no green wood and no solar. If it would add more cost, was it necessary? ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

18. PRODUCT SELECTION Windows: House sitting (north/south/east/west) determines window specs: a higher solar co-efficient rating Insulation: R-Value and installation techniques fiberglass, cellulose, or foam Dual flush toilets/faucet aerators - for water conservation "Florida Friendly Yard” - drought tolerant landscaping NAHB (National Green Building Standard) - Provides one list of acceptable (certified) products ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902 ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

19. IMPROVEMENTS Downsizing our 2 ton HVAC system to a 1.5 ton with a variable speed motor- increases SEER Move the ducts from un-conditioned to semi-conditioned space. 1 st - Create an attic chase over the AC ductwork, 2 nd - Open Cell foam under roof Experimented with insulation - blown and batt fiberglass, open cell foam and blown cellulose. Installation technique was more critical than type Installed Energy Star bath exhaust fans - improved humidity control ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902 ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

22. ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

23. Category 1 Energy Minimum 30 Maximum 75 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria HERS Index Energy Rating 63 3 - 75 Confirmed Florida HERS Rating: 3 pts @ HERS Index pt below 90 Design, Finishes, Amenities 1 1 Ductwork joints sealed with mastic 1 1 Washer & dryer outside of conditioned space 2 1-2 Light-colored interior walls, ceilings, carpet, floors 1 1 Maximum 100 Watt fixtures in bathrooms 1 1 South roof area for future solar use 1 1 Compact hot-water distribution 1 1 Energy-efficient over/range 1 1 Efficient envelope volume 2 2 Outdoor lights are energy efficient 74 30 min–75 max Total Points

24. Category 2 Water Minimum 15 Maximum 40 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria Fixtures 1 1 Low-flow shower heads 1 1 All showers equipped with one showed head 2 2 Duel-flush or low-flow toilets 1 1 Toilet with UNAR Map Rating Installed Landscape 2 2 Drought-tolerant turf in sunny areas only, no turf in densely shaded areas 3 1-3 50%, 80%, 100% of plants/trees from local drought-tolerant list 2 2 All plants/trees selected to be compatible with local environment/microclimate 3 3 Turf less than 50% of landscape 2 2 Plants with similar maintenance requirements grouped together 2 2 Mulch applied 3-4 inches deep around plants 2 2 Non-Cypress mulch used 10 10 No permanent installed irrigation system 31 15 min–40 max Total Points

25. FYN YARDS ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

26. FYN YARDS ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

27. Category 3 Lot Choice Minimum 0 Maximum 15 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria 2 2 Build on an infill site 2 2 Site within ½ mile of existing infrastructures 2 2 Site within ¼ mile to mass transit 2 2 Site within ½ mile of public open/green space 2 2 Site within ¼ mile of basic community resources 10 0 min–15 max Total Points

28. Category 4 Site Minimum 5 Maximum 30 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria Drainage & Retention 2 2 Onsite designated retention area 3 4 Maintain previous surface area 5 5 min–30 max Total Points

29. LOW-IMPACT DETENTION Sustainable Development ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902

30. Category 5 Health Minimum 15 Maximum 35 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria Combustion 2 2 Attached garage with air barrier between garage and living space (including attic) 2 1-2 No unsealed space or water-heating combustion located inside the conditioned area or electric Moisture Control 1 1 Seal slab penetration Source Control 1 1 Healthy insulation Cleanabililty 1 1 Grout lines <1/4 inch 1 1 Useable entry area Ventilation 1 1 Kitchen-range hood vented to exterior 1 1-2 Efficient HVAC filter 1 1 HVAC filter easily accessible 1 1 Install screens on all windows and doors (excluding front door) 3 3 No air handler/return ducts in garage or unsealed garage attic 16 15 min–35 max Total Points

31. Category 6 Materials Minimum 10 Maximum 35 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria Components 1 1 Concrete with fly ash or blast-furnace slag 1 1 Finger-jointed or laminated products 1 1 Eco-friendly trim Waste Reduction 1 1 Perimeter based on 2-foot dimensions 1 1 Interior floor plan based on 2-foot dimensions Durability 1 1 3 in 12 ≤ roof slope ≤ 6 in 12 1 1 Window and door flashing 1 1 Plants/turf minimum of 2 feet from foundation 1 1 Use armored/metal hoses from service to all fixtures/appliances 1 1 User-friendly (lever style) clothes washer water shutoff 1 1 Landry room below living floor or drain installed 11 10 min–35 max Total Points

32. Category 7 Disaster Mitigation Minimum 5 Maximum 30 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria Hurricane (Wind, Rain, Storm Surge) 2 2 Unvented attic or no attic 2 2 Window, door, and skylight protection or impact resistant type 2 2 Exterior structures properly anchored Flood (must incorporate all 4) 3 3 (1) Finished floor level at least 12 inches above 100-year flood plain (2) Bottom of slab at least 8 inches above top of backfilled dirt, graded for proper drainage (3) Grade slopes away from building on all sides (4) Garage floor and driveway sloped to drain out; garage floor at least 4 inches lower then living floor 9 5 min– 30 max Total Points

33. Category 8 General Minimum 0 Maximum 40 Points Achieved Points Possible Criteria Small House Credit 28 40 Conditioned house size Other 1 1-2 Home builder/designer/architect/landscape architect member of FGBC 2 2 Homeowner’s manual given to homeowner 2 2 Educational material given to homeowners 2 2 Training provided to homeowner 2 2 Cooling system uses non-HCFC 37 0 min–40 max Total Points

34. The Hancock Place ST. JOHNS HOUSING PARTNERSHIP. INC. 904-824-0902