Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County and X-Hab 3D Receive $30,000 Grant
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County (HFHGCC) and X-Hab 3D are excited to announce that they have been awarded a $30,000 grant from West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) for a project that will show ratepayers and the community the benefits of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology and low-carbon concrete printing mixtures when seamlessly combined with conventional techniques for residential construction.
The grant will be used to design, implement, and integrate the 3D concrete-printed wall components of an approximately 1,200-square-foot single-family house that will be constructed in the Centre County area. The complete wall system – including an interior load-bearing component, insulation, weather barrier, conduits for electrical, plumbing and HVAC, and exterior façade—will be constructed using 3DCP technology rather than traditional stick-built construction. The result will be significantly higher energy efficiency, greater storm and fire resistance, and lower cost.
Joel Morrison, Director of West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, said “WPPSEF is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County and X-Hab 3D. This grant reflects our commitment to sustainable construction solutions and creating affordable housing options in our service region.”
Successful completion of this project will have a high impact in the WPP service region, where there is a tremendous pent-up demand for high-quality, energy-efficient, affordable housing. Stephanie Fost, Executive Director of HFHGCC stated: “I am delighted to announce our partnership with X-Hab 3D and the generous grant from West Penn Power. This project represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide simple, decent, and affordable housing to those in need. This collaboration not only addresses the pressing demand for energy-efficient housing but also highlights the spirit of innovation within Habitat for Humanity. We are grateful for the support and look forward to creating a lasting impact in the Centre County area.”
Bruce Kraselsky, CEO of X-Hab 3D, added: “We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, supported by the grant from West Penn Power. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions for the betterment of communities. We look forward to a successful completion and the positive impact it will have on the region.”
About West Penn Power: The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invests in the deployment of sustainable energy technologies that benefit West Penn Power ratepayers in Pennsylvania. WPPSEF investments are focused in three broad categories:
✔ Deployment of sustainable and clean energy technologies;
✔ Deployment of energy efficiency and conservation technologies; and
✔ Facilitating economic development, environmental betterment, and public education; as they relate to sustainable energy deployment in the WPP service region.
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County (HFHGCC) is one of 1,000 independent affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI). Since launching in the greater Centre County region 40 years ago, HFHGCC has built, renovated, or repaired nearly 80 homes in partnership with qualified families. HFHGCC is a nonprofit, nondenominational housing organization. Habitat welcomes all people—regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or any other difference—to build simple, decent, affordable houses for those who lack adequate shelter. We construct quality houses that are sold to homebuyer families through no-profit, no-interest loans. Homebuyers complete 350 sweat-equity hours and other requirements, pay for their homes and all upkeep, and maintain current payments on their properties.
About X-Hab 3D, Inc.: X-Hab 3D is a State College, PA-based company that manufactures and sells expeditionary-grade 3D concrete printing (3DCP) systems that can print all kinds of structures, from houses to manholes to artificial reefs, with complex geometries, using local geologic resources for construction materials, with a significant reduction in build time, labor and material costs, waste, and job-site injuries compared to conventional construction. X-Hab 3D printers’ compact, mobile, ruggedized features make them suitable for printing in all kinds of environmental conditions and challenging terrain with minimal setup time and without the need for supporting infrastructure.