MISSOURI HOUSING DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION RECEIVES 2010
REGIONAL ENERGY STAR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AFFORDABLE
HOUSING FROM HUD AND EPA

KANSAS CITY, KS - Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has received a 2010 Regional Energy Star Award for Excellence in Affordable Housing from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). MHDC is recognized for leading edge installation of energy
efficiency and increasingly green and sustainable features in affordable housing. Five national winners and twelve regional winners were selected.

MHDC, an administrator of state and federal affordable housing programs, completed its first two ENERGY STAR-certified developments in 2009, Sand Hills Place is located in Festus and Trinity Village Apartments is located in Grandview. Each development achieved a Five Star rating. For both developments, ENERGY STAR-certified status
was achieved by utilizing an independent agent to review the design, conduct inspections during the entire construction phase of the development and test for confirmation that the development met the ENERGY STAR standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The developments provide a total of 80 2-bedroom units for elderly residents in Missouri.

"Our employees work tirelessly toward improving our contributions to the affordable housing efforts in Missouri, and their commitment to sustainable building easily partners with the commitment to provide quality affordable housing, resulting in a win for everyone," said Tina Beer, Interim Director of Operations for MHDC. "We are very proud of our work and the work of our building partners in incorporating these important energy efficiency standards into the developments."

In 2007, MHDC required the inclusion of ENERGY STAR refrigerators and dishwashers as the minimum threshold for
its investment in the construction, renovation and preservation of affordable housing in Missouri. In 2008, MHDC further required ENERGY STAR-rated windows, heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment (92 percent AFUE
gas-fired furnace rating and/or SEER 13 air conditioning/heat pump) and water heaters where applicable. The
agency has found developments incorporating ENERGY STAR certification to be competitive in construction costs
with those that do not include this feature. Through communication with developers, it is estimated that the cost
to include ENERGY STAR certification will not exceed $3,600 per unit to build, and will result in cost savings during
the operation of the development.

"Working with our partners at the local level, our goal is to produce healthier and more energy efficient affordable housing and communities," said HUD's Deputy Regional Director Eugene Lipscomb. "MHDC is to be commended for
its commitment to improve housing that is energy efficient, while at the same time, a benefit to the environment
and the individuals, families and future generations who will reap the benefits of lower energy costs, a more comfortable home and better quality of life. This award is well deserved."

Trinity Village Apartments in Grandview, MO

MHDC used HUD's Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds and partnered with US Bank for the construction and permanent financing of Trinity Village Apartments along with state and federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). HOME funds were used to provide the construction and permanent financing of Sand Hills Place and LIHTC's were also purchased for the project. Leveraging the loans for both developments with LIHTC's enabled the owner to keep rents affordable for the residents of the development. To date, MHDC has invested nearly $4 billion to construct, renovate and preserve affordable housing.

Team members responsible for the developments are: Sand Hills Place - Pat Werner and Arapaho Development, LLC (developer), Wallace Architects, LLC and Double Diamond Construction, LLC and Trinity Village - Ron Dean and Dean Development, LLC (developer), Wallace Architects, LLC and Woodco Construction, Inc.

For more information about Energy Star, visit: http://www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1 (888) 782-7937.

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HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development ad enforces the nation's
fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.