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EPA and HUD Recognize New England Affordable Housing Organizations with Energy Star Awards

Release Date: 04/23/2009
Contact Information: EPA Office of Public Affairs, (617) 918-1010

(Boston, Mass. - Apr. 23, 2009) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded four New England organizations with 2009 Regional Energy Star Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing. The award recognizes efforts to provide energy-efficient housing for low-income residents.

“We’re glad to see the interest in home energy efficiency surging,” said Ira Leighton, acting regional administrator for EPA New England. “In particular, improving energy efficiency in affordable housing complexes help reduce the cost of energy for some of our most vulnerable residents, and reduces air pollution as well.”

The following organizations received recognition:
· Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc., Cambridge, Mass.
· NeighborWorks New Horizons, New Haven, Conn.
· Vietnamese American Initiative for Development, Inc., Dorchester, Mass.
· Woburn Housing Authority, Woburn, Mass.

Some of the energy saving measures implemented by these organizations included: Replacing outdated heating and cooling systems with higher efficiency Energy Star units, using Energy Star labeled appliances and lighting, and improving the quality of building insulation.

”Energy efficiency is important in every community,” said Brian Ng, Affordable Housing Coordinator for Energy Star’s Residential Branch. “These partners are helping bring the benefits of Energy Star and energy efficiency to everyone. With an energy efficient home, residents can rely on reduced utility bills, and increased comfort and durability, all while protecting the environment.”

Energy Star Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to the construction and rehabilitation of energy-efficient homes that benefit the environment, while providing homeowners with a quieter, more comfortable home, along with significant utility savings.

Last year alone, Americans with the help of Energy Star saved more than $19 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions of 29 million vehicles.

Energy Star was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are Energy Star partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).