Builders/Developers to Build Green to Compete for Cash Prizes
Biloxi, MS – January 30, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) —The Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) today announced its new Growing a Greener Mississippi competition which will offer builders/developers statewide the opportunity to compete for $100,000 in prize money. The competition will demonstrate the feasibility of and demand for affordable, green housing in Mississippi.
“Green housing is affordable housing,” said Bill Sones, Chairman of MHC’s Board of Directors. “It decreases utility and maintenance costs through increased efficiency, thereby helping homeowners save money. This competition will result in green homes for Mississippians and reward contestants for adding value to the homes they build,” he continued. The competition will award $50,000 for first place, $30,000 for second place, and $20,000 for third place. An independent panel of five judges will determine the winners.
Homes built for Growing a Greener Mississippi must meet the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Model Green Home Building Guidelines level Bronze or above. The NAHB Model focuses on energy efficient appliances, architecture, and building methods as well as more renewable building materials.
“The NAHB model uses two complimentary principles to determine what makes a home green: efficiency and environmental impact,” explained David Smith, Chairman of the Jackson Home Builders Association Green Building Committee. “NAHB green homes use energy efficient design and building practices to lower utility costs while using more renewable and durable building materials,” he explained.
In order to be eligible for the competition, the homes built must either sell for less than $175,000 or be eligible for the Housing Tax Credit program.
During construction, the homes will be inspected by an NAHB Certified Verifier who will ensure the green measures are implemented properly, and the homebuyer will be educated on how to use the energy efficient features of the home.
“With any green home, education is essential,” said ASHI inspector Gary N Smith with SafeHome Inspections. “A builder can install energy efficient equipment, appliances and design techniques, I can inspect and verify the construction, but if home owner education is not included in the process the home will not perform to its full potential,” he added.
Anyone interested in participating in the Growing a Greener Mississippi competition should contact MHC at 800-544-6960 or visit the website at www.mshc.com.
The Mississippi Home Corporation was created by the State in 1989 to serve as the State’s Housing Finance Agency. In that capacity, MHC administers the Mortgage Revenue Bond program and the Housing Tax Credit program, among others. MHC’s mission is to enhance Mississippi’s long-term economic viability by financing safe, decent, affordable housing and helping working families build wealth.
