Worcester, Mass., October 31, 2019 – Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest building materials companies and manufacturer of innovative material solutions, in partnership with Worcester YouthBuild (operated by Training Resources of America, Inc.) and Worcester Common Ground, today announced the completion of the first sustainable home project in Worcester under the national partnership between Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation and YouthBuild USA. Since October 2018, nearly 30 Worcester YouthBuild students and Saint-Gobain employees have worked to build the home located at 20 Merrick Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, which aims to achieve U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification.
The home is the second built from-ground-up of nine completed LEED rated green homes under the national partnership between Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation and YouthBuild USA. YouthBuild programs help unemployed and out-of-school young people ages 16 to 24 attain their high school diploma or equivalent credential. During that time, they also learn career skills by building affordable housing and other community assets in their neighborhoods while engaging in community service and leadership training. Graduates leave prepared for success in post-secondary education, careers and registered apprenticeships — and as part of a strong and supportive global community. Since 2010, Saint-Gobain has granted more than $1.6 million and made a commitment to providing energy-efficient building materials, building science and technical expertise, and employee volunteer support to build and renovate homes in areas where the company has business concentrations: Philadelphia, Pa.; Worcester, Mass.; Schenectady, N.Y.; and Canton, Ohio.
“For nearly a decade, Saint-Gobain’s partnership with YouthBuild USA has helped build tomorrow’s workforce today by helping students harness valuable manufacturing and construction skills that will in turn fill the talent pipeline,” said Mark Rayfield, CEO, Saint-Gobain North America and CertainTeed Corporation. “Through the partnership, students not only learn from our employees about sustainable, innovative building materials and construction techniques, but the partnership gives our employee volunteers a meaningful opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with young people who are just beginning their careers.”
The Saint-Gobain family of companies, led by CertainTeed Corporation, the company’s largest building and construction brand in North America, provided over 40 sustainable building materials to help the project achieve its sustainability and affordability goals. In addition, Saint-Gobain employees spent nearly 80 hours working alongside YouthBuild students to install building materials and ensure the sustainability of the home.
“YouthBuild’s comprehensive model unleashes the intelligence and positive energy of unemployed, out-of-school young people to transform their lives and find a successful path forward,” said John Valverde, CEO of YouthBuild USA. “Our partnership with Saint-Gobain helps our students bridge the extensive skills gap in our workforce and bring meaningful change to Worcester and communities all across the country.”
CertainTeed roofing, siding, insulation, and a variety of drywall solutions, as well as Outdoor Living Products were used in the 20 Merrick Street project.
Now that the project is complete, Clinton Savings Bank, the construction lender, will be marketing the home, in conjunction with Keller Williams Real Estate broker Jasmine Ortiz, to potential owner-occupants interested in living in the neighborhood. For more information on this project and Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation’s partnership with YouthBuild USA, please visit www.buildingourfuturetogether.com.
Click here for more photos of today's event: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJ55fAY