US Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Director Macie Houston joined Mayor Tom Carlson and local housing officials today to tour several of the City's new single-family, Energy Star qualified homes for low to moderate income families. Houston commended the City for its Energy Star affordable housing initiative and its outstanding whole-house approach to improving the comfort and energy efficiency of its homes while maintaining attractiveness and affordability.

Springfield Mayor Tom Carlson joins HUD Regional Director Macie Houston (background) in front of one of the City's new Energy Star qualified single-family affordable homes. All three homes were built by JR Kramer Construction, Inc. utilizing funding awarded to the City of Springfield through HUD's HOME Program.

HUD is encouraging cities to develop standard operating procedures to be used in all HUD-financed new construction and major rehab housing projects. The three new housing units toured today in Springfield all meet Energy Star performance standards. The structures feature superior insulation; high efficiency HVAC including sealed "tight" ductwork; energy-efficient windows, lighting and appliances.

The total cost per square foot for these three projects is $49.38. Using the Energy Star requirements accounted for $1.40 per square foot. The benefit to the owner/developer is an increase in property value, lower maintenance costs and extended property life. For the residents, these benefits translate to lower utility bills, lower maintenance costs and healthier indoor air quality.

One of the City's Energy Star qualified housing structures is a duplex.

"I commend Mayor Carlson and the City of Springfield for piloting an Energy Star affordable housing initiative," said Houston. "Using Energy Star in the construction of new homes only makes sense because it saves energy, money and the environment. Springfield's commitment to promote energy efficiency and conservation through technologies like the Energy Star program is a model for cities throughout the four-state region as well as the nation."

The City utilized every inch of ground to build this Energy Star qualified home on an extremely difficult lot. Standing in front of the three-bedroom home - Kevin Koeneman, a senior at Missouri State University and an Intern with the City, Brendan Griesemer, Springfield Planning and Development Department, Michael Pinkley, Project Specialist for the City's Planning and Development Department, and HUD's Region VII Regional Director Macie Houston.

Mayor Carlson said, "Greater energy efficiency in our housing programs reduces energy consumption and energy costs. A small investment today will provide better housing and energy security for families living in Springfield tomorrow."

Houston also encouraged every individual living in the community to help save energy and protect the environment by replacing at least one incandescent light bulb at home with one that has earned the Energy Star label. Energy Star qualified bulbs and fixtures help reduce household energy costs because they use one-third the energy of traditional lighting, and last up to 10 times longer. The program called "Change A Light, Change The World" is one energy saving solution that can save consumers up to $30 in utility costs over the lifetime of one bulb.

For more information about Energy Star, visit: www.energystar.gov/ or call toll-free (888) 782-7937.

One of the City's Energy Star qualified housing structures is a duplex.

The City utilized every inch of ground to build this Energy Star qualified home on an extremely difficult lot. Standing in front of the three-bedroom home - Michael Pinkley, Project Specialist for the City's Planning and Development Department, HUD's Region VII Regional Director Macie Houston, Kevin Koeneman, a senior at Missouri State University and an Intern with the City, and Brendan Griesemer, Springfield Planning and Development Department.