The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, the local affiliate of the nation’s largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization, this week announced their Energy Efficient Homes Initiative to incorporate energy efficiency into low-income home renovations.

An energy efficient home rebuild is taking place on July 22 at the home of Gladys Sewell, 1607 Clark Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.

The Energy Efficient Homes Initiative incorporates energy efficiency into home renovations that are being provided to low-income homeowners, many of whom are elderly, disabled or have young children. By making homes more energy efficient and providing the homeowner with information on how to use energy wisely into the future, low-income homeowners will be able to save energy and save money.

On Saturday, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh volunteers will continue their mission of providing repairs free of charge to low-income homeowners. In addition, the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania (a division of API, the national trade association of the oil and natural gas industry), will provide installation materials and energy efficiency practices that will increase energy efficiency by as much as 30 percent in the home.

“This is a very important partnership,” said Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh Board Member Rudy Benedetti. “Giving low-income individuals the tools to dramatically improve energy efficiency enables these individuals and families to save needed resources and apply them to other urgent needs, like food and healthcare. The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania and the other Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh sponsors and volunteers deserve credit for bringing this forward to a segment of our population where the most energy efficient products are, in most cases, out of their reach.”

“The oil and natural gas industry here in Pennsylvania and across the country practices energy efficiency within its operations, and we know the significant value of such a commitment,” said Rolf Hanson, Executive Director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania.

“In addition, it is extremely rewarding to be able to assist a low income homeowner in having a more energy efficient home and sharing energy efficiency tips so that they can use energy wisely into the future. This has the dual benefit of saving energy and saving the homeowner money.”

API’s national sponsorship will help train the over 250 local Rebuilding Together affiliates across the country to better enable them to include energy efficiency as a core component to the nearly 10,000 houses they revitalize every year.

In addition, the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania and API will work with Rebuilding Together to distribute energy efficiency information such as pamphlets, consumer tips and checklists, to low-income homeowners and others.

For more information visit Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh online or contact Craig G. Veith, 703-717-9816 or send email to: craig.veith@craigveith.com.

7/21/2006