Energy efficiency is a must in this day and age as it helps save money and creates a better environment.
The
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians recently made the decision to upgrade some of the housing units used for low-to-moderate-income families. Using federal funds from the 2009 stimulus program under the American recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Sault Tribe is rehabilitating and modernizing those units by weatherizing them to meet new, stricter building codes and to be more energy efficient.
Joni Talentino, Sault Tribe Housing Authority director, says the program is based on the Sault Tribe’s traditions of caring for human life, especially the elders and those who are considered in the low-to-moderate income range.
"The Sault Tribe has over 36,000 members," says Talentino. "The money we earn from our economic development efforts goes back into tribal health care, education, and well-being. It is tribal tradition of our Ojibwe culture to care for members of the tribe, so we are rehabbing these older units and using sustainable products and methods to provide for their comfort, meet stricter building codes, save them on energy costs, and use our natural resources more wisely."
The process includes sealing air leaks, installing new windows, new plywood and vinyl siding, and newer, better insulation. Talentino says after researching the "best practices" of current and future U.S. buildings, they chose InsulStar spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation, made by U.S. company NCFI Polyurethanes, which is being installed by Great Lakes Roofing and Insulation of Sault Ste. Marie.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Joni Talentino, Sault Tribe
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