(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson is championing "green" practices as the way to build affordable homes in Miami-Dade.  On Thursday, October 25, Commissioner Edmonson toured the site of the first "green" affordable home being built in the county through programs sponsored by the Miami-Dade County Housing Finance Authority.  The three-bedroom, two-bathroom Liberty City home was sold to bus driver Tangelia Sands and her four children.
 
When completed, the house will have 89 points of "green" as determined by the Florida Green Building Coalition.  It will be 20 percent (AP186) more energy efficient than a conventional home.  The use of sustainable building materials will extend the life of the structure by an additional 35-40 years. The use of recycled products, such as concrete foam blocks, will create less waste and make the home more environmentally sensitive.  The new method of construction even guarantees that the home will be climate fortified and hurricane resistant, ensuring the safety of the family inside and protection from structural damage.  Furthermore, the home will save water and reduce the consumption of energy.
 
"Building "green" is a smart way to tackle our affordable housing needs while protecting our environment," said Commissioner Edmonson.  "The new features of sustainable building being implemented in this house will also save the family a lot of money in utility bills - up to 65 percent."
 
Sand's house has been qualified to participate in the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED pilot program, a "green" rating system for ensuring homes are designed and built to be energy and resource efficient and healthy for occupants.  Despite employing cutting edge procedures and materials, the net cost of owning a sustainable and environmentally friendly home is comparable to owning a conventional home.  Some other benefits to building green include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins which can cause asthma and other health problems.
 
To ensure the practice of sustainable building of affordable homes continues, the Miami-Dade County Housing Finance Authority is hosting a "Green Affordably Symposium" November 12 - 15 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Miami.  The symposium will highlight local green initiatives; provide education on affordable, sustainable standards and offer a Green Vendor Expo to showcase sustainable products.
 
Participants, sponsors, or vendors may register at www.miamidade.gov/hfa or www.regonline.com/miamidadedoesgreen.