Advancing smart solutions to global warming that benefit both communities and engage stakeholders is always a challenge. The first home, finished in May 2008, will initially serve as a Visitor Center for developers, contractors and residents to learn how to rebuild green. After construction is completed on the majority of the Project, the 5 single family homes will first be made available to and sold to displaced residents of the Holy Cross and 9th Ward communities.

Global Green is working with the Holy Cross Neighborhood to create homeowner selection criteria, and identify and select qualified homebuyers. The homes will sell for an average price of $175,000 and Global Green plans to create a soft second mortgage financing option to help prospective buyers to bring the equivalent price to $150,000 or lower. The homes will save the residents an estimated $1200 to $2400 a year in utility bills, allowing lower income families to qualify for the mortgage as well. Using advanced monitoring systems in the home, residents can see their energy and resource consumption in real time, and if they choose, modify their behavior to further lower energy costs. Modest homeowner association fees will allow for residents to turn to the project manager to ensure the rainwater harvesting, geothermal, solar and other systems are maintained properly and will continue to maximize savings.

http://www.globalgreen.org/neworleans/holycross/