For the Press - RDI Press Releases, Awards & Staff Biographies

03/23/07 - RDI is the first builder in New England and first in the nation to attain LEED silver certification by The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

01/10/07 - RDI to build Solar Village in Greenfield - See Fact Sheet - See Brochure

10/20/06 - Grant Will Create Green Affordable Housing

09/20/06 - RDI Builds a ZERO Net Energy Home

11/10/05 - State boasts first winner of “affordable green” housing award. Rural Development Inc. earns national spotlight for low-cost “ responsible” design and construction

11/10/05 - The Home Depot Foundation Presents Awards Of Excellence At U.S. Green Building Council Conference.

9/22/05 - “Green” Homes for Low-income Families - Rural Development, Inc. Receives Grant

RDI News & Information

See Recognition & Awards
See Staff Biographies

The Facts About RDI

• Rural Development, Inc. (RDI) builds affordable green houses in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region. Since it’s inception in 1993, RDI has built over 85 single-family houses.

• RDI is participating in the new LEED® for Homes Pilot Project in conjunction with the U.S. Green Building Council.

• RDI is an ENERGY STAR Partner. All RDI houses exceed the standards for energy efficiency determined by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy achieving HERS scores in excess of 86. Funding from the Western Massachusetts Electric Company and National Grid assist in this effort.

• RDI has installed solar electric systems, high efficiency boilers, and other sustainable technologies in 8 affordable houses utilizing a grant from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

• Eligibility requirements for the RDI program include an annual income that is less than 80% of the median for Franklin County. For a family of four, for example, their yearly income needs to be less than $57,350 in 2006.

• Mortgages are usually provided through a partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program and the Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

• To be eligible for a mortgage a buyer needs to have a reliable income, an acceptable credit record, a demonstrated ability to pay debts, and meet the income guidelines.

• This program is for first-time homebuyers who attend a first-time homebuyer counseling workshop.

• The buyer contributes about 200 hours of labor. This “sweat equity” lowers the costs.

• The Life Initiative, the Enterprise Foundation, and the Housing Assistance Council provide additional financial assistance.

• Students from the Franklin County Technical School have received hands on training by assisting in the building of RDI homes.