Push for Energy-Efficient, Low-Income Homes Expands Nationwide
Article type: Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 12, 2007 – America’s oil and natural gas industry and Rebuilding Together, the nation’s largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization, today announced the second year of its national partnership to help low-income homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and cut their fuel bills.
The Energy Efficient Homes Initiative is an additional component to the 19-year-old national Rebuilding Together program and ensures that greater energy efficiency is incorporated into the renovation of low-income homes. The initiative affords low-income homeowners the ability to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 30 percent and save money at the same time.
“We are thrilled to have the continued support of America’s oil and natural gas industry,” said Gary A. Officer, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “Our combined efforts enable persons most in need the opportunity to live in healthier homes, reduce their energy costs and save money.”
“We know energy efficiency and the value of such a commitment,” said Red Cavaney, president and CEO of the API, the primary trade association for the oil and natural gas industry in the United States. “It is a privilege to help low-income homeowners nationwide make their homes more energy efficient and share the knowledge they need to use energy wisely now and in the future.”
“We are proud to stand with and support a dedicated organization like Rebuilding Together,” added Cavaney. “Its commitment to enhancing the quality of life of homeowners in need nationwide is both honorable and unmatched.”
Last year, the Energy Efficient Homes Initiative was highlighted in 18 rebuilds nationwide, saving low-income homeowners thousands of dollars thanks to a variety of energy-efficiency techniques incorporated into their homes. This year, the program has an expanded reach and will include projects in Petaluma, Calif., where a local homeless shelter will undergo energy-efficiency renovations. Energy-saving features incorporated into homes include installing efficient furnaces, double- or triple-paned windows and compact fluorescent light bulbs; and insulating attics, walls and crawl spaces; among other improvements.
In addition to incorporating energy-efficiency features into homes, the initiative also provides low-income homeowners, volunteers and others with information on do-it-yourself renovations, as well as energy-saving tips.
Cities and states where the Energy Efficient Homes Initiative will be highlighted in 2007 include Montgomery, Ala.; Springdale, Ark.; Chicago, Ill.; Boston, Mass.; Oakland Colo., Michigan; Long Island, N.Y.; Columbus, Ohio; Seattle, Wash.; Petaluma, Calif.; Denver, Colo.; Hartford, Conn.; Tampa, Fla.; Des Moines, Iowa; Edgewater, Md.; Billings, Mont.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Baltimore, Md.; Arlington, Va.; Richmond, Va.; and Washington, D.C. Additional energy-efficient rebuilds will be undertaken by Rebuilding Together local affiliates and oil and natural gas industry facilities later in the year.
About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is the nation’s largest non-profit organization whose mission is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need, assuring that they live in warmth, safety and independence. Rebuilding Together operates through approximately 240 affiliates that serve 1,879 communities nationwide . Each year, more than 270,000 volunteers help to refurbish and revitalize nearly 10,000 houses. For more information on Rebuilding Together, see www.rebuildingtogether.org.
About API
API is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. The nearly 400 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry.
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Initiatives: Safe and Healthy Homes, Energy Efficiency