Wadmalaw Island, SC - Habitat for Humanity is working with the Coastal Conservation League and other organizations to build energy efficient homes in the Lowcountry. Four “green” homes are being built on Wadmalaw Island in the McCloud Place community.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers aim to have the outside of the home they began building today to be completed by the end of the week. The home will go to a family in need on Wadmalaw Island and will reduce utility costs for the family as well.

"We worked with our engineers and architects to make sure that the house was going to be as energy efficient as possible," explained Nikki Seibert, Green Building Coordinator for Sea Island Habitat for Humanity.

The organization is using a number of ways of constructing these energy efficient homes including using smaller windows, adding more room in walls for insulation, and building with a special type of wood.

"It’s called radiative barrier plywood. It traps heat inside the roof and that allows heat to stay outside during the summer, but it also heats it up during the winter time," explained Mike Rettaliata, site supervisor.

Additionally, costs to build are lower and less material is ending up in landfills because of efficient uses of building materials.

"We're recycling up to 75 percent of our waste. That's our wood, materials, plastics, and drywall. We actually grind our untreated wood and drywall and use it as soil conditioner and erosion control," said Seibert.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers say there is an element of building these homes that is invaluable.

"It's hard work, but when you get to work side by side with these people, these homeowners are really special people. I could work all day with these guys. It’s very rewarding,” said Rettaliata.

If you would like to help this week, there is a morning shift from 8 to 12 p.m. and an afternoon shift from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers do not need experience in construction and lunch is provided at noon.

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