Caroma donates to green Habitat for Humanity subdivision

DUNEDIN, FLA. — Caroma announced its contribution of 38 dual-flush toilets to the first subdivision built by Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County, Fla.

Formerly occupied by a failed public housing project, the area is being transformed into an eco-friendly community for low-income families. Known as the Shady Grove Townhouses, the first three homes in the 19 building complex are anticipated for completion in late April while the remaining homes will be completed in the coming 18 months. Each building is expected to be LEED certified by the U.S. Green Building Council upon completion.

To meet the LEED standards of water conservation, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County selected Caroma’s Caravelle 305 Round Front Plus toilets for bathrooms in each home. Using Caroma’s dual flush technology, the new homeowners can reduce utility rates and water consumption significantly by using only 1.6 gallons of water per flush for solid waste and 0.8 gallons for liquid and paper waste. Along with WaterSense-approved performance, Caravelle toilets feature a large trap together with the flush-down technology that virtually eliminates blockages.

“We are thrilled to supply dual-flush toilets to Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County for the Shady Grove Townhouses,” said Derek Kirkpatrick, Caroma North American general manager. “With dual-flush toilets, water usage can be reduced by 40% compared with traditional toilets that use 2.9 gallons in a single flush and by more than 76% if using a 3.5-gpf toilet. As a supporter of Habitat for Humanity’s global efforts and green building practices worldwide, Caroma is honored to contribute to this amazing project.”

The two-story homes will feature concrete walls and metal roofs intended for hurricane wind mitigation. To reflect the City of Dunedin’s historical pattern of coastal vernacular architectural style, the landscape plans will focus on the neighborhood’s natural identity by incorporating Florida friendly plants irrigated with reclaimed water. Located within walking distance from downtown Dunedin, the homes will offer comfort, stability and 0% interest mortgages to families between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. Each approved applicant contributes to the home building in partnership with volunteers and subcontractors and attends a series of classes on finance and homeownership.

“We are sincerely grateful to Caroma for donating two toilets to each townhome in Shady Grove,” said Ron Spoor, land development manager at Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County. “The water saving toilets fit in perfectly with the general theme of Shady Grove which is vernacular architecture, Florida friendly plants, reclaimed water, and energy efficiency.”