The Wilson family is preparing to move into Habitat for Humanity Lansing’s first geothermal home.
The home, located at 6006 Pheasant in Lansing, is a new build and is part of Habitat for Humanity 
Lansing’s commitment to integrate green components into Habitat homes.
“We’re going to try to do this in as many homes as we can,” says Julie Burtch, development director for Habitat for Humanity Lansing. “Energy efficiency for low income homeowners shouldn’t be considered a luxury, but an industry standard. This allows them to use the money for other things.”
The home includes a geothermal heating and cooling system. The system, which is installed underground, retains heat in the winter and keeps cool in the summer. Burtch says the system will save the family about $1,000 a year in energy costs.
“We’re trying to respond to the foreclosure crisis in Lansing and we’re trying to do rebuilds in some specific neighborhoods and have some real impact,” she says. Habitat for Humanity Lansing is specifically targeting the south and north sides of the city. Burtch says changing the look of just a few houses can give a neighborhood a self-esteem boost.
Source: Julie Burtch, Habitat for Humanity Lansing
Ivy Hughes is the managing editor of Capital Gains and can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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