All local cities and Yolo County are exploring climate solutions and going green, and so is Habitat for Humanity Yolo County with its newest low-income housing build, the Heidrick Ranch half-plex in Woodland.

ÒFor the last several years, PG&E has provided grants to local Habitat affiliates to enable us to incorporate solar panels into our new construction projects,Ó said Diana Walker-Smith, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Yolo County.

In 2008, Habitat received $30,000 to incorporate solar panels into the half-plexes now under construction, she said. Solar also was included in the three homes Habitat completed in Woodland in 2008.

ÒThese homeowners are paying just a fraction (of what most local residents pay) for monthly utilities,Ó Walker-Smith said.

ÒFor us, here at Habitat, it not just about building homes for low-income families, but building homes low-income families can afford to maintain and operate.Ó

ItÕs not just solar energy that defines living green; Habitat believes in building green, and the Heidrick Ranch half-plex really epitomizes this philosophy, she said.

The attic insulation is rated R-38 with a radiant barrier. The exterior wall insulation is rated R-19.

The nonprofit will install tankless water heaters and low-flow toilets.

The appliances will be Energy Star-rated and all the lighting will use compact fluorescent bulbs.

HabitatÕs goal is to build this half-plex to Build it Green standards, Walker-Smith said.

Build it Green is a nonprofit organization that has developed a set of green building practices based on five categories: resource conservation, indoor air quality, water conservation, community and energy efficiency.

For more information or to volunteer for or donate to the Heidrick Ranch build, visit http://www.habitatyolo.org.

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