Sep 24 2007
Rebuilding Together Petaluma, the local affiliate of the nation's largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization, and the Western States Petroleum Association today helped a low-income homeowner reduce her energy use and save money as part of an energy-efficient rebuild of her home.
The rebuild is part of the Energy Efficient Homes Initiative, a national partnership between Rebuilding Together and America's oil and natural gas industry, which incorporates energy efficiency into home renovations for low- income homeowners nationwide, many of whom are elderly, disabled or have young children. The Initiative is an additional component of the 19-year-old national Rebuilding Together program that will revitalize nearly 10,000 homes across the country this year. With the help of the Initiative, Rebuilding Together will give low-income homeowners the ability to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 30 percent.
"This is a wonderful partnership. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of those most in need," said Carl Rebstock, executive director, Rebuilding Together Petaluma. "Providing low-income homeowners the tools to dramatically improve energy efficiency enables them to save money and use it for other immediate needs such as food and health care."
"America's oil and natural gas industry practices energy efficiency every day within its operations, so we know the significant value of such a commitment," said Tupper Hull, director of strategic communications, Western States Petroleum Association. "We are delighted to partner with Rebuilding Together Petaluma in this outstanding initiative. Our efforts will provide low-income homeowners the dual benefit of saving energy and money."
Last year, the Initiative was highlighted in 18 rebuilds nationwide, saving low-income homeowners thousands of dollars thanks to a variety of energy-saving features incorporated into their homes. Rebuilding Together Petaluma is renovating approximately 60 homes throughout the area this year.
The homeowner, a recently widowed, mother of two, has been financially unable to make the necessary home improvements. As part of the Initiative, her home will receive new weather-stripping, light fixtures with compact fluorescent lights, insulation and new energy-efficient windows and doors. Other renovations to the house include a low-flow toilet and an energy-efficient washing machine.
"I am really thrilled to be picked," said the homeowner. "I am almost getting a brand-new house."
"I could never have afforded this on my salary, these renovations are a blessing," added the homeowner.
In addition to making homes more energy-efficient, the Initiative also provides low-income homeowners, volunteers and others with materials and information to help them use energy wisely now and in the future.