Whole House Mechanical Ventilation: A South Chicago Case Study

Background Claretian Associates, a non-profit community development organization, and South Chicago Workforce, a non-profit builder and contractor, have teamed to create 26 efficient, healthy, sustainable, affordable homes in South Chicago, IL. These homes are constructed with structural insulated panels (SIPs), are heated with condensing furnaces, utilize sealedcombustion water heaters, and contain efficient lights and appliances. The first 10 homes also feature 1.2-kW solar electric systems. Many of the energy improvements were financed by an energy grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity under its Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program. Claretian Associates’ and South Chicago Workforce’s commitment to high-quality affordable housing earned the project the Chicago Neighborhood Development Award for “2005 Outstanding Non-Profit Neighborhood Project.”