Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Pennsylvania and the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania again this year joined forces to help make energy efficiency improvements to a home in Pittsburgh.

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 energy-efficient modifications, which include a new energy-efficient furnace, water heater and EnergyStar refrigerator, will help reduce the homeowner's heating and cooling bills, and ultimately help preserve his homeownership.

"Our combined efforts have an ongoing, positive impact on homeowners in our neighborhood and across the country," said Cindy Gilch, executive director of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh. "The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania's support enables us to help improve the quality of life for many deserving homeowners who can now live more comfortably, safely and use less energy."

"America's oil and natural gas industry practices energy efficiency every day within our operations, so we know the significant value of such a commitment," said Rolf Hanson, executive director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania. "We are delighted to partner with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh in this outstanding initiative. Our efforts will help provide the homeowner with the dual benefit of saving energy and money."

Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh is renovating James Johnson's home with energy-saving renovations. Mr. Johnson is disabled and has lived in his home for 37 years and recently underwent open heart surgery. He also lives on a limited income and supports his adult daughter, who is physically and mentally disabled.

"Now I can live, instead of just existing," said Johnson. "This will make my life a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable," he added, "I had heard about this program and am glad to be a recipient of these renovations."

Since 2005, the Initiative has expanded its reach, doubling the number of rebuilds conducted nationwide and affording homeowners the ability to save as much as 30 percent on monthly energy bills, thanks to a variety of energy-efficient techniques incorporated into their homes.

The Initiative is an additional component of Rebuilding Together, which is celebrating 20 years of having revitalized more than 100,000 homes and nonprofit facilities with the help of millions of volunteers in communities across America.

In addition to making homes more energy efficient, the Initiative also provides homeowners, volunteers and others with materials and information with recommendations on how to preserve energy now and in the future.

8/29/2008