New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Holcim and Build With Strength Construct Low Carbon Homes

In mid-November the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) collaborated with NRMCA's Build With Strength coalition to construct two affordable double unit homes for AmeriCorps members. The project marked the first instance of New Orleans Habitat employing a building system incorporating ECOPact low-carbon concrete from NRMCA Producer member Holcim US. Holcim's innovative product is expected to reduce upfront costs and expedite onsite construction while maximizing the structures’ durability and energy efficiency. Holcim estimates that its ECOPact products will lower the carbon footprint of the New Orleans project by an impressive 34%.

Buildblock and Build With Strength also hosted a “Behind the Build” event on Thursday, November 16, open to community members, volunteers, local leaders and the media. It was a great opportunity for members of the community to see the resilient and pragmatic process of utilizing Insulated Concrete Forms for the Americorps project. NRMCA President Michael Philipps and Vice President, Building Innovations, Michael Wymant helped erect the project walls and with training.

"It’s a perfect wall system for hurricane prone areas," said Wymant. "Safe, quiet, more efficient and lower insurance costs…all with a low carbon footprint with positive impacts for generations."

AmeriCorps is a federal agency dedicated to national service and volunteerism that provides communities across the nation with both manpower and financial resources. NOAHH depends on the contributions of AmeriCorps members to achieve its mission. These new homes will accommodate individuals dedicated to revitalizing New Orleans communities.

“We are honored to partner with Build With Strength and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, supporting their endeavors to provide those in need with a place to call home,” stated Rick Pucci, senior vice president and general manager of the south region at Holcim US. “Holcim is deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve. Contributing to this project with ECOPact low-carbon concrete to construct resilient housing is a significant way for us to make a positive impact in New Orleans.”

In addition to Holcim, numerous sponsors have generously donated and/or provided discounted materials for this project, including SMECO Concrete Pumping, Build Block, the Insulating Concrete Forms Manufacturers Association and American Concrete Pumping Association. The project falls under a broader initiative between Build With Strength and Habitat for Humanity International which aims to build 50 sustainable concrete homes across 50 states within five years. The partnership currently has 76 homes in various stages of construction across 33 states.

“In the face of increasingly severe extreme weather events, NOAHH is committed to building stronger and more resilient structures,” remarked Marguerite Oestreicher, executive director of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (seen here with NRMCA President Mike Philipps). “We are deeply appreciative of the partnership that has enabled us to pilot this innovative building method in our community.”

For more information, contact Gregg Lewis at glewis@nrmca.org or Michael Wymant at mwymant@nrmca.org.