BASF employee volunteers joined Morris Habitat for Humanity to build homes for three families in Madison, New Jersey. More than 30 BASF employees worked on various aspects of construction, installing roofs, exterior walls and exterior frames for the homes.

“BASF is a great example of partnership at its best with two organizations coming together to provide the opportunity for a hand up to homeownership for families in need,” said Blair Bravo, Executive Director, Morris Habitat for Humanity.

Morris Habitat for Humanity helps reduce the community’s carbon footprint by incorporating sustainable building practices during construction. All three homes will be ENERGY STAR-certified for energy efficiency. New homeowners will contribute 300 hours of labor and learn the importance of sustainability at mandatory homeownership classes.

“BASF is pleased to support a project that builds sustainable homes for families in need,” said Charlene Wall-Warren, Sustainability Leader, BASF Corporation. “Chemistry is the building block of construction. It helps save energy, makes materials stronger, and is used in almost every component of every structure—commercial, educational, infrastructure or residential.”

BASF’s commitment to sustainable construction is also demonstrated by the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) double Platinum certification of its new North American headquarters building which features a variety of BASF enabled construction solutions.

BASF also has recently developed a technology for plasticizing lightweight wood panel material for case goods, cabinetry and furniture: Kaurit Light. Wood-based panels made with the new technology weigh 30 percent less than conventional particleboard while offering the same strength, says BASF.

The three new units will be developed in partnership with Morris Habitat for Humanity and the Madison Affordable Housing Corporation. The homes will be sold in accordance with New Jersey Council on Affordable Housing rules and regulations.