Jericho Road Staff Members Participate in Green Design Charrette

Jericho News. February, 2009.

Jericho Road staff members, in collaboration with local architects and representatives from green housing expert Global Green USA, participated in the organization’s first green design charrette on February 18th. Walker Wells, editor and co-author of Global Green’s book “Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing”, facilitated the charrette and led a thorough discussion of green building techniques and materials, and the widespread benefits they provide to communities and homeowners.

Executive Director Brad Powers said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this charrette with local and national housing professionals. Together, we are developing a comprehensive plan that allows us to offer a healthier home environment for new homeowners while reducing their overall utility costs. We plan to implement these new cutting-edge design strategies as part of our goal to become an affordable housing leader, not only in New Orleans but, ultimately, nationwide.”

Participation in the charrette further demonstrates Jericho Road’s continued commitment to provide affordable, energy efficient housing for new homeowners in Central City. Staff members learned how the organization can incorporate green components in its new homes while maintaining the modest home design preferred by residents throughout the historic Central City neighborhood.

According to Walker Wells, Global Green representative and charrette facilitator, it is important that home developers take into consideration the existing community context by using a holistic and total-systems approach to the development process. He said, “Jericho Road’s community revitalization efforts in Central City are impressive and encouraging. The organization’s commitment to the health and overall wellbeing of new homeowners sets a high standard for nonprofit housing organizations around the country, and I am pleased to be a part of helping them achieve success in their rebuilding efforts.”

The charrette was made possible by the assistance of Green Communities, the nonprofit program launched in 2004 by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., a national leader in community development and affordable housing. The Green Communities program offers charrette grants of up to $5,000 to assist housing developers with integrating green building systems in their developments and engaging in serious discussions of green design possibilities.