In the Spotlight Olive Street Homes development an example of excellence in energy efficient affordable housing The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have awarded Blue Hills Community Services the 2009 ENERGY STAR® Award for Excellence in Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing in recognition of its efforts to provide energy-efficient housing for low-income residents. Blue Hills Community Services were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 2009. “Building energy-efficient affordable housing is our mission”, said Joanne Bussinger, Executive Director of Blue Hills Community Services, referring to the Olive Street Homes development and other community initiatives promoting energy efficient lifestyles. “The value added amenities and advantages of building and living with ENERGY STAR are worth the cost when considering the savings that are passed on to the most economically sensitive population. ENERGY STAR homes ensure the overall affordability, improved indoor air quality and reduction of local energy consumption.”
Olive Street Homes is located in a NeighborhoodsNOW designated area and as such will benefit from additional attention. “We applaud Blue Hills Community Services for having the foresight to develop these energy efficient homes. The Olive Street Homes are an excellent example of creating sustainable communities that improve residents’ economic condition and net worth,” said Greater Kansas City LISC Executive Director Julie Porter. Greater Kansas City LISC provided operational support during the project. About Blue Hills Community Services Blue Hills Community Services (BHCS), a not-for-profit community development corporation, has been a catalyst for neighborhood development for 34 years. Founded in 1974, BHCS set out to battle social and economic challenges faced by residents of the Blue Hills and surrounding neighborhoods in Kansas City, Missouri. Using a block by block strategy to focus neighborhood revitalization with new and renovated single family homes, multi-family development and home repair services to owner occupants, BHCS ensures neighborhood development is comprehensive and sustainable in creating healthy urban communities. For more information, go to www.bhcsmo.org. About ENERGY STAR 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).
NeighborhoodsNOW - Expanding Investments in Housing
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