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Energy Star “Change a Light, Change the World” Campaign Launched in Seattle

Release Date: 10/04/2006
Contact Information: Contacts: Pamela Negri, HUD 206-220-5356 Tony Brown, EPA 206-553-1203

(Seattle, WA – Oct. 4, 2006) Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, the City of Seattle Office of Housing, and the Sisters of Providence celebrate October Energy Awareness Month with a kick-off event at Vincent House in Seattle.

The City of Seattle and City Light donated four Energy Star light bulbs to each of the 60 units of affordable low-income senior housing at Vincent House, operated by the Sisters of Providence. The new light bulbs will complement the HUD funded rehabilitation currently underway at Vincent House, which includes energy efficiency enhancements funded by the City. As part of the event, Rose St. Anand, a resident will replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb -- saving energy and saving money on utility bills.

The objective of Energy Month and the Energy Star “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign is to promote energy efficiency and conservation throughout the nation. This year’s goal is to encourage at least 500,000 Americans to take an on-line pledge to replace one incandescent bulb or fixture in their home with one that has earned the Energy Star label, thereby conserving energy, becoming more energy efficient and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The pledge can be found at: http://www.energystar.gov/changealight.

“For most owners and renters, utility bills are the second largest household expense,” HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said, “That’s why housing affordability and energy efficiency go hand in hand. By reducing the price of utility bills, we reduce the cost of living for the nation’s low- and moderate-income families.”

On July 11, 2005, the Bush Administration announced a new Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency between HUD, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy aimed at reducing household energy costs by 10 percent over the next decade while improving our nation’s air.

“Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity costs, with the average home containing more than 30 light fixtures,” said HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing Orlando Cabrera at the event. “Energy Star qualified bulbs and fixtures help reduce household energy costs because they use one-third the energy of traditional lighting, and last up to 10 times longer. Consumers can save up to $25 in utility costs over the lifetime of one bulb. Replacing the most frequently used lights at home will yield the most savings.”

“Change a Light Day is a unique opportunity for each and every person to protect their environment while preserving energy resources and reducing out-of-pocket expenses,” said Michelle Pirzadeh, Acting Deputy Regional Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency. “This grass-roots campaign demonstrates the power of individual action in creating a better world for all of us.”

"We share HUD's commitment to reducing energy usage and energy costs for consumers, said Adrienne Quinn, City of Seattle Director of Housing. “Through the City's Homewise program, we were able to replace refrigerators, thermostats and lighting at no cost to the residents of Vincent House. The City is proud of our contribution in reducing the tenant's utility bills by an estimated $95 a year and reducing total energy usage in Vincent House by approximately 108,543 kilowatt hours per year."

“Initiatives such as this “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign for energy conservation are in line with the decision of the Sisters of Providence to endorse the Earth Charter, which promotes creation of a compassionate, just and sustainable world,” said Sister Kaye Belcher of the Sisters of Providence Mother Joseph Province.

For more information on how to save energy in your home, vehicle, business or industrial plant, go to www.energysavers.gov. For detailed information on the benefits, use and proper disposal of Compact Fluorescent Lighting go to http://www.seattle.gov/light/Conserve/Resident/cv5_lw2.htm.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development, and enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.