Representing ORNL were Ron Shelton, Michaela Abraham and Mark Ternes of the Buildings Technology Center. The event attracted 2,000 Habitat volunteers from around the world.
The event, which included workshops as well as entertainment, was highlighted by the construction of an energy efficient Celebration House. ORNL personnel provided technical assistance, including the selection and specification of materials and on-site supervision of construction by Habitat volunteers.
"It is our responsibility to build energy efficient houses that can make it possible for families to live in at less expense with less energy cost and more comfort," said Millard Fuller, Habitat's founder.
ORNL's representatives assisted Southface Energy Institute, a non-profit educational and research center, in conducting hands-on home building workshops for Habitat directors, construction managers and volunteers.
"These workshops provided guidance on energy-efficient, cost effective practices associated with building insulation, air infiltration control, heating and cooling equipment, ducting and combustion safety," Abraham said.
Shelton noted Habitat has constructed more that 50,000 homes in 20 years.
"Habitat for Humanity is rapidly headed toward becoming the largest home builder in the United States and eventually the largest in the world," Shelton said. "They are particularly concerned about energy efficiency and the environment. ORNL and DOE are proud to be supporting Habitat in creating homes that will be affordable for a lifetime."
ORNL's work with Habitat is supported by DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which is playing a lead government role in facilitating the adoption of energy and environmental technologies in residential and commercial buildings.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.
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