EPA AND HUD NAME HAMPTON REDEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING AUTHORITY AS A RECIPIENT OF THE 2009 REGIONAL ENERGY STAR® AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have awarded Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority the 2009 Regional ENERGY STAR® Award for
Excellence in Affordable Housing in recognition of its efforts to provide energy-efficient housing for low-income residents. The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority will be recognized at an awards ceremony on April
14th at 1:30 pm at one of the energy-efficient homes located at 320 Union Street, Hampton.

"I am very pleased that our staff members are being recognized for their efforts to build energy efficient homes,"
said Frank Lofurno, Executive Director of the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA). "In addition to these efforts, we have supported HUD's initiative to utilize ENERGY STAR® products in all of our renovations and improvements to our residential communities."

Since 2001, HRHA built fifty-eight single-family homes for low and moderate income families and has incorporated energy efficiency including Energy Star features of effective insulation, high performance windows and doors, air sealing, efficient duct systems, efficient heating and cooling systems, qualified appliances, advanced lighting packages and water saving water closets, shower heads, faucets, and aerators which exceed the federal utility conservation measures. While the additional construction expense of $4,644 per unit increases the cost per unit by 3%, the homebuyer saves $657 annually resulting in a break-even point of slightly more than seven years.

"The Green Initiative has been a priority for our Board of Commissioners here in Hampton", added Bill Lockard,
Director of Construction for the Housing Authority. "As HRHA explores the possibilities of expanding energy conservation measures in our homes, we will continue to emphasize that 'a green home begins with Energy Star
blue'."

ENERGY STAR® Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to the construction
and rehabilitation 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 12,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR® program.

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

"Energy efficiency is important in every community," said Bill Miles, Field Office Director of the HUD Richmond Office. "Partners like HRHA are helping bring the benefits of ENERGY STAR® and energy efficiency to everyone. With an energy efficient home, residents can rely on reduced utility bills, and increased comfort and durability, all while protecting the environment."

The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority, created in 1958, provides housing assistance to 7,362 Hampton residents or 5% of the population. They own and manage 521 units of public housing and 20 homeownership units. They administer 2,618 housing choice vouchers including 165 units for veterans and 75 units for people with disabilities, as well as various low income tax credit housing projects and other housing units. Additionally, in partnership with the City of Hampton, using HUD Community Development Block Grant funds, they have acquired
over 500 blighted properties and have constructed 192 wheelchair ramps and using HUD HOME funding, they have provided grants to 352 low-income homeowners to repair their homes.

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 12,000 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 (888) STAR-YES (888-782-7937).

###

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 and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.
For more information about FHA products, please visit www.fha.gov.