Rebuilding Together Petaluma and the Western States Petroleum Association help make low-income homes more energy efficient PETALUMA, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together Petaluma, the local affiliate of the nation's largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization, and the Western States Petroleum Association today helped a family, living in low-income housing, reduce their energy use and save money as part of an energy-efficient rebuild of their 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 that 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, with the home occupied by the Clark family being the first to receive energy- saving renovations. Entering the COTS Shared Housing Program approximately a year ago, John and Jessica Clark have been financially unable to make the necessary home improvements. As part of the Initiative, the home occupied by the Clark family will receive new weather-stripping, light fixtures with compact fluorescent lights, insulation in the basement and new energy-efficient windows and doors. Other renovations to the house include a low-flow toilets and a new water heater." I know we don't own this house," said Mrs. Clark. "But living in it, with all of these improvements, will help not only my family become more aware of the importance of preserving our environment, but also will set a standard for future families that come to live here." "With another child on the way, these renovations are truly a blessing," added Mr. Clark. 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. 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 low-income homeowners assuring that they live in warmth, safety, and independence. Rebuilding Together operates through nearly 250 affiliates nationwide that serve 1,879 communities across the country. Each year, more than 270,000 volunteers help to refurbish and revitalize nearly 10,000 houses. For more information on Rebuilding Together, please visit its website: www.rebuildingtogether.org. API, the American Petroleum Institute, is the primary trade association for the oil and natural gas industry in the United States. Representing one of the most technologically advanced industries in the world, API's membership includes nearly 400 companies engaged in all aspects of the oil and natural gas industry, including the exploration, production, refining, transportation and marketing of crude oil, natural gas and related consumer products.
