NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is partnering with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Build with Strength coalition to build two affordable double unit homes for AmeriCorps members.
The project represents the first New Orleans Habitat construction that will use a building system made using ECOPact low-carbon concrete from Holcim US. The groups say the product will reduce upfront expenses and on-site construction time while maximizing the structures’ durability and energy performance. Holcim says its ECOPact products will reduce the carbon footprint of the New Orleans project by an estimated 34%.
Community members, volunteers, local leaders and media are invited to a “Behind the Build” event at noon Thursday, Nov. 16 at 2158 Agriculture Street.
AmeriCorps is a federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The organization sends people power and funding to communities across the country. NOAHH relies on the work of AmeriCorps members to fulfill its mission. The new homes will house workers who help to restore New Orleans communities.
“We are proud to partner with Build with Strength and New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity and to support their efforts to connect people in need with a place they can call home,” said Rick Pucci, senior vice president and general manager, south region, Holcim US. “Holcim is deeply committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Contributing to the project with ECOPact low-carbon concrete to build resilient housing is an important way for us to serve people in New Orleans.”
Several sponsors have donated and/or discounted materials for this project including Holcim US, SMECO Concrete Pumping, Build Block, Insulating concrete Forms Manufacturers Association, and American Concrete Pumping Association. This project is part of a wider initiative between Build with Strength and Habitat for Humanity International to construct 50 sustainable concrete homes in 50 states in five years. The partnership currently has 76 homes in various stages of construction in 33 states.
“Faced with the ever-increasing intensity of extreme weather events, NOAHH is doing all that we can to build stronger and more resilient structures,” says Marguerite Oestreicher, executive director of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. “We’re grateful for the partnership that has allowed us to pilot this new way of building in our community.”
Parking for the event will be available at the NOAHH main office at 2900 Elysian Fields Avenue.
