At Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, we believe that creating affordable housing and caring for the planet can go hand-in-hand. We are committed to creating homes that serve more than just one family – they support the development of healthier and sustainable communities.
Building Sustainably
Before we ever start building, our construction team discusses how to reduce reduce the environmental impact of the home we are building while also keeping long-term costs low for homeowners by building smarter to reduce energy bills and costly repairs.
Our sustainable building approach includes:
- Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures that help families save on utility bills
- Eco-friendly materials that are durable and safe for both people and the environment
- Thoughtful home design that minimizes land use and supports access to public transit, bike paths, and green spaces
- Improved insulation and framing techniques that make homes more energy-efficient and comfortable year-round
- Healthy indoor air quality through low-VOC paints and ventilated HVAC systems
- Landscaping with native plants to prevent stormwater runoff and support local ecosystems
- Recycling construction waste to keep excess material out of landfills
- Solar-ready infrastructure that gives families the option to add renewable energy down the line
While each project is unique, our team works hard to meet the standards from various sustainable building methods such as Energy Star, LEED or EarthCraft. We have been recognized over the years for consistently building homes with sustainability in mind.
How you can help
We’re currently in the first phase of building 17 townhomes in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, DC. These homes are being constructed to Passive House standards—a building approach that significantly reduces energy use and minimizes environmental impact. Once completed, we will be able to provide 17 families the opportunity to buy an affordable home while contributing to greener, more sustainable communities. Your donation helps make this possible—empowering families with lasting stability and protecting the planet at the same time.
ReStores: where sustainability and giving back go hand-in-hand
Habitat ReStores are another way we bring sustainability into our everyday mission. These stores sell gently used furniture, appliances, building materials, and more — all donated by individuals and businesses in our community.
When you shop or donate to a ReStore, you’re helping in a powerful way by keeping reusable goods out of landfills while simultaneously helping to fund affordable homeownership opportunities for local residents. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, cleaning out your garage, or hunting for a unique vintage find, ReStores and eco-friendly home decor are a win-win for you and the planet!
You can even donate a car!
Do you have a vehicle you no longer need? We accept car donations through Habitat International’s Cars for Homes program. Old cars, trucks, SUVs, or boats can help a family right here in our region build a brighter future through homeownership.
The process is simple, your donation may be tax-deductible, and the impact is real. One car can help lay the foundation for a strong, stable home. To donate, call 1-877-277-4344 or visit our donation wizard, and we’ll gather relevant information about your vehicle, like mileage, make, and model. After that, schedule a time for it to be picked up, and we’ll take it off your hands!
Why it all matters: sustainability and community go together
Everything we do, from how we build to how we recycle, is guided by a vision for a healthier, more equitable future. By embracing sustainable practices, Habitat DC-NOVA isn’t just lowering carbon emissions or saving energy; we’re creating homes that are safer, healthier, and more affordable for families who need them most.
Sustainability is about stewardship. It’s about taking care of our shared environment while making sure everyone has a place to call home. When we invest in energy efficiency, reduce waste, and build responsibly, we’re protecting the earth while also uplifting our neighbors and strengthening our communities.
Whether you’re donating household goods, giving your old car a new purpose, or supporting our mission through volunteering or shopping at ReStores, you’re making a difference.
Together, we can build a better, greener future — one home at a time.