Going for Gold on Environmental Sustainability

Project HOME recently struck gold - in the form of a major recognition for environmental sustainability.

Project HOME co-founder and chief financial officer Joan McConnon accepted the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold award on October 11 at our Connelly House residence, the first LEED-certified affordable housing development in Center City.

The award was presented by the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

“We are very proud to be recognized for our work in environmental sustainability.  We stand by our belief that everyone deserves a safe, healthy place to live,” said McConnon.  “We hope that this achievement inspires others that green affordable housing is not only a possibility, but it is necessary for moving our city forward.”

Opened in 2010, Connelly House received the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Community Design Award and was certified by the U.S. Green Building Council for being an environmentally-friendly, sustainable building that includes a green roof, a rainwater collection system for irrigation and non-potable use, and highly insulated walls to improve thermal performance.

Connelly House—in partnership with Bethesda Project—provides critically needed, affordable housing to formerly homeless men and women. It is named in honor of John F. and Josephine C. Connelly, the founders of the Connelly Foundation, who created the charity to promote public welfare. The eight-story building provides 79 units of permanent supportive housing.

This development contributes to Project HOME’s mission of ending homeless in Philadelphia and the organization sees a commitment to environmental sustainability as an important piece of this mission.

“Green practices are especially important in those buildings that house vulnerable populations, such affordable and homeless housing,” said Joseph Healy, Chairman of the DVGBC. “We are thrilled to recognize Project HOME for their notable achievement in sustainability.”