Irvine, CA – Jamboree Housing Corporation, Southern California’s leading affordable housing developer, announced today that it has earned the ENERGY STAR 2008 Regional Award for Excellence in Energy-Efficient Affordable Housing. Jamboree is the only Southern California affordable housing developer – and one of only two statewide – to be recognized for energy efficiency.
The award – recognizing Jamboree’s highly energy-efficient Laurel Crest Apartment Homes in Lancaster, California – was bestowed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy with support from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
ENERGY STAR Awards honor superior energy-efficient construction and are selected from more than 8,000 participating ENERGY STAR organizations.
“Jamboree and the Laurel Crest community are leading the way in energy-efficiency in California affordable housing. They are models for other nonprofit developers, illustrating that green building practices aren’t just for luxury residents. Green is possible and sustainable for the future of the affordable housing industry,” said Name, Title, ENERGY STAR.
Jamboree President Laura Archuleta underscored the importance of blending “green” and “affordable.” “Because utility costs consume 20% of lower-income families’ earnings, energy efficiency is critical in effective affordable housing, By utilizing available energy-related resources such as ENERGY STAR, we’ve proven that building green improves the financial feasibility of developments; financially assists residents by reducing their utility bills, promotes resident health through reduced pollution, and underscores our responsibility to pursue increased sustainability of the community as part of the overall building industry,” she said.
In less than five years, Jamboree has installed ENERGY STAR appliances in 484 units, and it now represents Jamboree’s standard design guideline, which will be implemented in all 1,650 units in new construction and/or predevelopment over the next four years.
Having opened in November 2007, Laurel Crest – Jamboree’s most energy-efficient community – has the greatest number of ENERGY STAR appliances and features of any Jamboree property. All units feature ENERGY STAR refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens. Overall, Laurel Crest exceeds Title 24 energy efficiency standards by almost 20%. Last year, ENERGY STAR helped Americans save $12 billion in energy bills and enough peak energy to power 28 million homes, avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 23 million vehicles.
Incorporating a commitment to excellent design, using the same high-quality finishes and materials as market-rate communities, Laurel Crest offers 36 two- and 26 three-bedroom apartment homes to residents earning between $22,160 and $51,540 (40 to 60 percent of area median income). In addition to the many energy-efficient appliances, all units include wiring for high-speed Internet access, window and floor coverings and an exterior balcony or patio.
Note: Laurel Crest Fact Sheet, Green Features, Property Photos available upon request
About Jamboree: Founded in 1990, Jamboree Housing Corporation is an award-winning, 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. Housing with HEART (Helping Educate, Activate and Respond Together) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and a division of Jamboree Housing Corporation. Jamboree Housing is Orange County’s leading nonprofit developer with a portfolio that includes the development of and/or ownership interest in more than 5,000 affordable rental apartment homes in more than 35 California communities. Development expertise includes new construction, acquisition/rehabilitation, preservation of at-risk projects and mobile home parks. Currently, Housing with HEART programs and services are offered at 32 Jamboree communities with designated staff at each location. More information is available on the company’s Web sites at www.jamboreehousing.com and www.housingwithheart.org.
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, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 8,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).