Housing Authority Receives Regional Energy Star Award
Los Angeles – The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) has been awarded the 2010 ENERGY STAR regional award for Excellence in Affordable Housing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award is given to agencies who demonstrate commitment and dedication to energy efficiency.
EPA commended HACLA for providing energy efficient, affordable housing to an underserved population. HACLA was also recognized for using ENERGY STAR measures to improve energy efficiency in affordable housing which has led to significant energy savings for residents, reduced emissions of green house gases that are related to energy consumption. EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) participated in the review of applications.
"On behalf of Secretary Donovan and HUD, I would like to commend and recognize the housing authority for its efforts in the energy efficiency area. You have set the pace, set the benchmark and are truly a shining star as the leader in this effort. We certainly are in partnership and want to recognize you this morning and encourage you to do more of the same kind of efforts in this area." said Ray Brewer, HUD Los Angeles Field Director.
In 2009, 3,150 Energy Star qualified compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) and 1,087 Energy Star qualified refrigerators were installed in public housing units, saving an estimated 270,000 kWh, removing approximately 357 cars from the road for a year or saving more than an estimated 443 acres of forest. Over the life cycle of these products, HACLA’s residents will save approximately $440,000 in utilities. “This streamlines costs; saves tenants costs, saves the housing authority costs, and during these economic crisis it actually affords and allows more money to be spent on more housing for the low income.” noted K.J. Brockington, HUD HUB Director for Public Housing.
"I’m delighted that the HACLA is being recognized with the Energy Star award. I congratulate you on your accomplishments and look forward to your future successes." said Steven John, Field Director for Los Angeles EPA.
HACLA accepted the award during the Board of Commissioners' meeting on April 30. HACLA President and CEO Rudolf C. Montiel thanked the EPA and HUD for the recognition. "Our efforts are driven by the mayor's desire to make this the greenest city in the country. With that said, we will strive in public housing, in our non-public housing portfolio and every area of our portfolio to become more efficient, become green, become sustainable. That message will carry through especially when we develop Jordan Downs and the other large redevelopment projects we will undertake in the city. Thank you very much to the EPA and to our great partners in HUD."
