The Philadelphia Housing Authority set an example for developers of affordable housing this week when it marked completion of 60 homes certified to the federal ENERGY STAR standard – and broke ground to begin construction on 125 more.

This is the first time that a housing authority in Pennsylvania has built homes to that standard.

PHA Executive Director Carl Greene said his agency has two motives for building energy efficient homes, “The cost of utilities has been soaring for us and for our low-income residents. These homes will save significantly on heating and air conditioning bills. We also joined the ENERGY STAR program to show our concern for the environment.”

PHA’s partner in the ENERGY STAR program is the Energy Coordinating Agency, a nonprofit organization certified to work with builders seeking ENERGY STAR Homes certification.

ECA Executive Director Elizabeth Robinson praised PHA for taking the step, "PHA has shown tremendous leadership in the national effort to increase energy efficiency in affordable housing. These Energy Star Homes will not only be more affordable to their occupants in the years to come, they will be more durable, comfortable, and more valuable."

Energy efficient construction is only a part of PHA’s overall energy conservation plan. The agency is installing compact fluorescent bulbs in all its buildings and apartments and replacing older toilets with new efficient models. The agency is also conducting its “Conserve Energy, Preserve Public Housing” information campaign to educate residents on the value of conservation.

Said Director Greene, “Every dollar we save on energy costs is a dollar we can invest in housing and neighborhoods. At a time when federal funding for public housing has fallen so far, saving money on energy is more important than ever.”

The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority also provided funding for this project.

The federal ENERGY STAR standard considers factors such as insulation, ventilation, high performance windows, tight construction, and efficient heating and cooling equipment. Testing must confirm these homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC).

2/16/2007