Irvine, CA – Jamboree Housing Corporation of Irvine, CA, has been presented the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2010 ENERGY STAR Regional Award for Excellence for the company’s commitment to energy efficiency in its affordable housing projects. Each year, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy present the award to honor organizations that have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency programs and products. Jamboree is the only California affordable housing developer to receive this year’s award and it’s the third consecutive year that Jamboree has received the prestigious energy award.
“Your organization has earned this regional award based on its invaluable commitment and dedication to the ENERGY STAR program and to providing energy-efficient affordable housing to an underserved population of the American public,” wrote David Lee, chief of the ENERGY STAR Residential Branch, in his announcement letter to Jamboree.
“Your organization’s effort utilizing ENERGY STAR measures to improve energy efficiency in affordable housing is providing significant energy savings for residents, and reduced emissions of green house gases that are related to energy consumption.”
Jamboree’s newest affordable housing community, Arbor at Woodbury in Irvine, CA, features ENERGY STAR appliances in the property’s 90 apartments and in the community room. “The Arbor at Woodbury underscores our commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Laura Archuleta, Jamboree president. “To be truly affordable, a home or apartment must be as energy efficient as possible to cut utility costs and we are proud that the EPA has recognized our efforts to be an energy conscious builder and corporate citizen.”
Archuleta also pointed out that the sustainable design of The Arbor at Woodbury enhances healthy living of residents by improving interior air quality and it reduces consumption of natural resources with the use of such components as energy-efficient lighting, low-flow showers and dual-flush toilets.
Another sustainable workforce housing community recently completed by Jamboree is Granite Court, which is located in the Irvine Business Complex. Encompassing 70 apartment homes priced for working families, Granite Court features a photovoltaic system that powers common areas, the use of earth-friendly and renewable materials throughout the property, as well as low-flow faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms, dual-flush toilets, and ENERGY STAR appliances in every home. It also has sustainable interior fixtures and furnishings designed for healthier indoor air quality.
“We believe these two communities represent the future of affordable housing design and development,” Archuleta stated. “When it comes to sustainability and wise use of our valuable resources, we want to be leaders.”
ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products. It was first created as a U.S. government program in 1992, but Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan and the European Union have also adopted the program. Devices carrying the ENERGY STAR logo, such as computer products and peripherals, kitchen appliances, buildings and other products, generally use 20% to 30% less energy than required by federal standards. More than 75% of American households recognize the ENERGY STAR label. In 2009 alone, ENERGY STAR helped Americans save nearly $17 billion on their utility bills and since 2000, about 3 billion ENERGY STAR-labeled products have been sold worldwide.
About Jamboree: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Irvine, CA-headquartered Jamboree Housing Corporation is a broad-based, nonprofit housing development company that develops, acquires, renovates and manages permanently affordable rental and ownership housing for lower-income families and seniors throughout California. A year-long commemoration of Jamboree’s 20th elevates the ripple effect of providing high quality affordable housing that generates more jobs, creates supportive housing for seniors and those with special needs, promotes healthy living and builds stronger communities. A leading nonprofit developer, Jamboree’s portfolio includes the development of and/or ownership interest in more than 6,500 affordable homes and apartments in more than 56 California communities.
Housing with HEART (Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and Jamboree’s resident services group. Currently, Housing with HEART programs and services are offered at 32 Jamboree communities with designated staff at each location. For more information, go to www.jamboreehousing.com.