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Global Green USA's New Orleans home has proved to be environmentally sound as this Holy Cross project, which is currently serving as a Visitor Center for the public is built on clean technology both inside and outside.

 

Recently nominated to the American Express (News - Alert) "Members Project,” the Holy Cross project’s green features have protected the home through hurricanes and tropical storms this season.

 

Global Green is the American division of Green Cross International (GCI (News - Alert)), intended to promote a sustainable and secure future. The organization works with a mission to develop green buildings and cities.

 

"Green buildings can be tough and strong. We're building to the highest standards for strength and safety. The first home withstood the storm and is now open and ready to show others how they can rebuild stronger and greener," said Beth Galante, director at Global Green USA, New Orleans.

 

The Global Green's Holy Cross Project is designed to embrace sustainability for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. It is a funded mixed-use residential development and one of the first new home construction projects to be built in the Lower Ninth Ward, a distinct region of New Orleans, Louisiana, a place which had the major thrust during Hurricane Katrina.

 

The Home Depot Foundation, an organization which is focused on building affordable homes, is the lead funding partner of this project. Features like the roof-mounted solar panels proved tough enough for the Gulf Coast in their first major test. Other than being a LEED Platinum home, the home is categorically built to resist winds of up to 130 mph through structural reinforcement, a durable metal roof, and energy-efficient windows and doors that are designed to be hurricane resistant with shatterproof glass. The solar panels, which can generate power for the home and feed electricity back into the grid, were specially designed to withstand hurricane force winds.

 

Upon completion, the project will feature housing for nearly 23 families and a community center. These homes are being raised 4 feet above grade for a total of 8 feet above sea level. The frame construction uses borate treated wood, which makes it mold and mildew resistant. The first floor of the home was built to withstand any flooding as its Cypress floors and paperless sheetrock will inhibit mold growth and can easily be restored even if flooding were to occur.