West Michigan - GreenHome Institute

West MI

Green Affordable Housing

The GreenHome Institute can help make your next affordable housing project better through a grant from the Wege Foundation

Thanks to the support of the Wege Foundation, the GreenHome Institute is here to help improve your next project. Whether it is new construction, gut rehab, or a remodel, we can now provide you with access to resources, training, certification, and incentives to make your properties more energy-efficient, healthier, and more durable.

The program’s goal is to help you take your affordable housing projects to the next level by assessing your energy use, indoor air quality, and opportunities to certify under a green building program.

GHI brings 25 years of experience helping improve residential buildings through design and construction practices.

If you work in the income-qualified housing sector but do not have a ready project, that’s okay; you can still get involved.

Benefits of registering for this program include

Access to free, comprehensive green building training for staff and project team members.

Study sessions to have your staff obtain LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional designations.

Free access to become a Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP)

Access to reduced cost or free green building certification and home energy scores which include
a. Design Charrettes and preliminary ratings
b. Existing building/Home energy inspections
c. Green building registration, provider, and certification fees
d. Energy modeling / Cost-benefit Analysis

Access to rebates, incentives, financing, and potential grants to help you fund green building

Promotion of your company’s commitment to better building and sustainability

Read the FAQ below or contact info@greenhomeinstitute.org

Is there a cost to the program?

No. It is free to sign up.

Discounts or free access to benefits will be determined by your project type, size and development timeline. Energy testing and modeling may come with a cost as these typically already required by code but that is also TBD by project details.

What does affordable housing mean?

The development must show to be held as an affordable housing rental or for sale at 100% AMI or higher. Developments including but not limited to senior housing, veteran, supportive, homeless, youth homes, refugee, special needs, disabilities, workforce housing, and more!

What is a green certification? Does it have to be LEED?

While our goal is to help you get LEED certified as the most recognized green program, there are many other tools we can use to help you achieve a better building.

We accept these different 3rd party certifications

GreenStar
Enterprise Green Communities
National Green Building Standard
Home Energy Score
Energy Star
LEED Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance
LEED For HomesPrograms will be determined based on development goals, limitations and other needs as determined on a case by case basis.

How can I afford to build green? Isn’t it more expensive?

There are various programs available to you and we will educate you and help you assess each one and how they can work together to help you achieve your goals. Reducing utility bills can allow you to reduce operating costs or have a more attractive space for tenants thus reducing turn over.

Incentives that may be available include