For the 2011 project, Gray emphasized energy efficiency and sustainability by targeting this project for LEED® certification. It will be Gray's first LEED home and the first LEED for Homes registered project for Habitat in the city of Lexington. The dedication ceremony for this project was held December 18, 2011.

Gray has been sponsoring and helping to build homes for Habitat for Humanity since 1990. In fact, this is Gray’s 8th Habitat project. Lexington Habitat approached Gray Construction about sponsoring the home due to Gray’s commitment to Green building and the expertise of their LEED accredited team members. Gray has consistently been ranked in the Top 100 Green Contractor’s in the U.S. by Engineering News Record and as the 5th largest contractor in the U.S. for green manufacturing.

Examples of LEED Features for the home include:

• Drought-tolerant Plants to limit the need for watering.
• A “white” concrete driveway to reduce the heat island effect associated with asphalt.
• High-efficiency water fixtures to reduce the demand on local water sources.
• Panelized construction of framed walls to reduce waste and speed construction.
• The home will meet the EPA’s Energy Star for Homes energy efficiency criteria.
• An efficient, compact, hot water distribution system.
• Low VOC interior finishes.
• Gray recycled construction waste in an effort to divert 25% of the recyclable waste from landfills.
• The home will meet the criteria of the EPA’s Indoor Air Plus program.

Want to see more?

Track the progress on Gray’s Habitat for Humanity’s 2011 project.