Two California Developers Receive Energy Star Award for Reducing Greenhouse Gases

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorWashington, D.C.–The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently presented Energy Star awards to two California developers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.Satellite Housing, a Berkeley, Calif.-based affordable housing developer, received an award for its leadership in energy efficiency by bringing Energy Star products to the population it serves. Satellite Housing received the award for incorporating energy-efficient appliances or practices at its developments for low-income families and seniors that include its 51-unit Fremont Oak Gardens, 17-unit Acalanes Court and a new 80-unit community that is 20 percent more energy-efficient than California’s building energy-efficiency standards.Irvine, Calif.-based Jamboree Housing Corp. received the Excellence in Affordable Housing award for incorporating energy-efficient appliances or practices at its developments for low-income families and seniors. Jamboree serves families and seniors with a household income between 30-80 percent of the area median income (AMI), with an emphasis in the 50-60 percent range. The median household income for residents living in Jamboree communities is $19,000.“Energy Star products save energy, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent pollution and lower energy bills,” says Deborah Jordan, EPA’s Air Division director for the Pacific Southwest.Other Energy Star award categories include Sustained Excellence, Partner of the Year, Energy Star Award for Excellence and Special Recognition. The 79 award winners were selected from over 12,000 organizations that partner with the Energy Star program to improve the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses.