Zuni Housing Authority LIHTC 1
96 D Avenue Blackrock, Zuni, NM 87327
Project Details:
This project is a gut rehab of 37 single-family attached homes spread out in 12 buildings, owned by the Zuni Housing Authority in Black Rock, New Mexico. This Native American tribal housing entity owns and maintains many homes for tribal members in this small rural community. This was the first of multiple rehabs and new construction projects which they have certified in the LEED for Homes program.
Challenges:
Both the developer and the builder are tribal entities who have long since done things using methods and designs that work well for them. The LEED for Homes rating system brought in many new concepts for the developer and primarily local and native construction teams which were foreign. From Energy Ratings and their associated performance testing, thermal bypass air sealing requirements, to outdoor water credits in a national rating system that are not a good fit for the local climate, the team faced repeated and significant challenges to the way they had typically operated, while staying committed to the goal of meeting their certification requirements. Various initial units had failed items that required correction, from thermal bypass issues at bay windows to whole-home bath fan ventilation control issues.
Solutions:
Green Insight worked closely with the architect and Zuni Housing Authority to educate the team on the building challenges that most often cause problems in the LEED for Homes rating system before building began. A substantial effort to train various team members onsite on effective air sealing technics was a key part of their successful blower door results. Participating in monthly and sometimes weekly project team calls helped Green Insight to be able to anticipate required inspections, making sure not to miss any. This extra was essential in keeping the project on track. The Zuni Construction Services team was very responsive and because of their full buy-in to the program, overcame failures with timely fixes and flexible solutions, including bath fan and switch changes after initial installation.
RESULTS:
Our project success
What our clients are saying
“Green Insight is always available on-site and in real-time. Their ability to turn things around and keep a project on track distinguishes GI from competitors. They are also creative and willing to roll with the punches. In my world, things don’t always work out perfectly but the team at Green Insight is always open to finding creative solutions to figure out the most timely, cost-efficient way to resolve issues.”
Casey Cameron
Project Manager, Pavilion Construction
“Green Insight’s team is responsive, available, and provides a tremendous sense of security. We recently had a project where the goalposts changed quickly and often during the approval process. We were able to get our project approved, but I honestly don’t know how that would have gone if we didn’t have the backup and knowledge that Green Insight provided.”
Chris Beabout
Director of Development, Landmark Homes
“When it comes to green energy consultants, Green Insight takes the stress away like no other. They bring an unbeatable combination of value-engineering, industry knowledge, and out-of-the-box creativity for solutions that work. What I value most about working with Green Insight is the relationship – which is more like a partnership that has been one of the key drivers in our success. They take the stress away. And frankly, this has been the best relationship that I’ve had with somebody in this business.”
Ceri Jones
Owner, Trailhead Homes
Certifications
