The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have awarded Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity the 2008 ENERGY STAR Award for Excellence in Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing in recognition of its efforts to provide energy-efficient housing for low-income residents. Nashville Area Habitat will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 1, 2008.

Since 2006, the Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity has promoted the use of ENERGY STAR products and building methods in our residential home building program.

"Building affordable housing that is energy-efficient is a win for low-income residents and for the environment," said Gary Bigelow, chief operating officer for Nashville Area Habitat. "ENERGY STAR qualified homes are comfortable, reduce utility costs and at the same time are helping to reduce the risks of global warming."

Nashville Area Habitat's energy saving home features include the following:

• Effective Insulation: R-38 Attic, 2x6 Exterior Walls with R-19
• High Performance Windows: Energy Star Quality Windows with caulked air gaps, Thermal Glazed Low -E, U-Factor 0.37, SHGC 0.31
• Efficient HVAC: 13.0 SEER Rated Unit, Flex Fit tap, Duct Mastic
• Insulated Slab On Grade: Use of R-5 Dow foam insulation board, horizontal 24", vertical 24"
• Insulated Entry Doors: Insulated exterior doors Water Heater: 98% Efficient A.O. Smith
• Water Heater
• Roof decking: LP Corp Tech Shield Radiant Barrier roof decking
• Fiber Web: Typar exterior house wrap, Typar window flashing
• Appliances: Whirlpool Energy Star rated refrigerator
• Energy Efficient Lighting: Lighting package includes compact florescent lamps
• Energy Star Compliance: Blower Door Test, Duct Pressure Test, certification of applied installations during the construction process by third party independent certification

ENERGY STAR Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to the construction of energy-efficient homes that benefit the environment, while providing homeowners with a quieter, more comfortable home, along with significant utility savings. Award winners are selected from more than 9,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

Last year alone, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR saved $16 billion on their energy bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 27 million vehicles.

"Energy efficiency is important in every community," said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air & Radiation. "Partners like Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity are helping bring the benefits of ENERGY STAR homes to everyone. With an ENERGY STAR home, residents can rely on reduced utility bills and increased comfort and durability, all while protecting the environment."

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 9,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).