Green Housing for Veterans

One of the noblest things that any citizen can do is serve in our country's military. The only way to get in is to volunteer, and too often this debt is not repaid. The deplorable situation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, uncovered a few years ago, is just one of many examples.

Thank goodness there are organizations outside the federal government that step up to make good on our promise to take care of those who take care of us. Soldier On is an organization that works to get homeless veterans off the streets and into housing. The Northampton, MA-based group is now developing a limited-equity housing project that will offer veterans an opportunity to own those homes.

This particular housing project, located in Pittsfield, MA, and scheduled to open in late October, will use photovoltaic technology to power its 39 apartments. This solar set up is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 71,012 lbs of CO2 annually, or the equivalent of the emissions from an average passenger car driving 135,625 miles every year for 30 years. This is also equal to the amount of CO2 that would be removed by planting 28 acres of trees. And the system will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions—a major contributor to smog and air-induced respiratory problems—by 617 pounds over the life of the system.

Although the project is relatively small in terms of housing capacity, it's huge on a different scale. First, Soldier On is providing an essential service to homeless veterans by offering them the opportunity to become homeowners. Secondly, this housing project is incorporating green and sustainable principles by installing a solar powered system. The project is not only giving a second chance at a stable life to those who have committed themselves to this country, it's giving us all a second chance at a healthy planet.

Jonathan A. Schein is publisher of MetroGreenBusiness.com and GreenBusinessCareers.com

Follow Jonathan A. Schein on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jaschein

Comments

[sangazure1]

How wonderful! The previous administration certainly ignored our vets. Let's hope that this is only the first of many such projects.