Habitat and the environment: How ComEd helps our homes go green.

As an affiliate, we hope to be as conscientious as possible when it comes to our environmental footprint. That’s why we are so thankful for our partnership with the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program.

This program is an incentive program for the new construction of affordable housing. To break it down, ComEd covers whatever it costs to upgrade materials in the home to meet the energy-efficient requirements. This is a win for the environment as it creates incentive to build eco-friendly homes, and also is a win for communities because it helps open doors to more affordable homes.

Organizations and companies that join the program must meet 13 energy-efficient criteria as they build homes, and in return ComEd helps to cover the cost of materials for the houses. These criteria cover everything from energy efficient lights, appliances, and water heaters to airtight insulation and windows.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity applied for and was accepted to the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program in 2019. Since then, we have built five homes that have met the energy efficiency requirements, and we’re prepared to build six more.

Part of the reason we love being a part of this program is the way these environmentally friendly upgrades benefit our homeowners. Because we’re able to build homes that are more airtight, insulated, and energy efficient, Habitat families will save on their electricity, gas, and water bills over time.

Josell, a homeowner who purchased her Habitat home in 2019, is already seeing the impact of this.

“My monthly bill is half of what I have paid in the past. I have never seen a monthly bill this cheap in years!” Josell said in January when she received her first energy bills. “My bill for the month in my new home is a blessing.”

We are truly honored to be a part of ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program, and believe that this partnership will have a sustainable impact our families, our environment, and our community for years to come.