For Immediate Release
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MAYS LANDING, NJ - As part of the Earth Week celebration, a broad team comprised of Atlantic City Electric, Habitat for Humanity Atlantic County, Inc., The Builders League of South Jersey, Harrah's Entertainment and MaGrann Associates joined with Congressman Frank LoBiondo, State Senator James Whelan, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levenson and Atlantic City Mayor Scott Evans to announce the construction of the first Habitat for Humanity home to be built in the United States. The home will be built under the guidelines of N ew Jersey 's Clean Energy Program™ NJ ENERGY STAR Homes and the National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Program ™.
This historic energy-efficient home will be constructed in Atlantic City at 1731-33 Grant Avenue. The two-story, 1,250 square foot home, designed by Todd Miller, QMA Design + Build, LLC, will use highly efficient equipment, for heating and cooling, as well as ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, windows and lighting. Construction will include air sealing and duct sealing techniques for a tighter, quieter, more comfortable home. Utilizing traditional equipment will not require any additional or specialized maintenance or operation making the home's efficiency and green features transparent to the new homeowner.
Guidelines from the NAHB National Green Building Program TM will help coordinate the green design and construction process and incorporate green building features such as recycled materials for construction, optimal water conservation measures and effective controls for moisture, ventilation and other environmental concerns to create a more comfortable and healthier indoor living environment for the home.
"Atlantic County Habitat for Humanity has gone above and beyond their own high standards for community service: not only are they providing the gift of a new home to a deserving member of our community, but they are making it the first NAHB-certified environmentally friendly, energy-efficient home in the country," said Congressman Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2). "Their tireless efforts are nothing short of outstanding and I am proud to continue to support Habitat for Humanity's increased efforts to save the planet 'one house at a time'!"
"As we are all becoming more concerned about the environment, it is great to see the private and non-profit sectors putting new science and technologies into practice. Habitat for Humanity is to be commended for demonstrating that energy efficiency is good social and economic policy," said Senator James Whelan.
"The typical home adds more greenhouse gas pollution to the atmosphere each year than the average car," said NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox. "Conversely, the New Jersey ENERGY STAR Homes program is committed to providing customers with dependable, affordable power - while lessening the impact of electric generation on the environment. Investing in energy efficient homes through the New Jersey ENERGY STAR® Homes program helps residents support New Jersey's plan to reduce its overall energy use 20 percent by 2020."
"The building of this home is a true gift to both the environment and our community for energy efficiency and protecting the earth are important to all of us. Atlantic City Electric certainly appreciates what Atlantic County Habitat has done and is continuing to do to make South Jersey a better place," said Ken Parker, Atlantic City Electric Region President. "Our participation here today is a clear example of collaborative teamwork to promote a better future. This event is an opportunity to showcase the use of technology and energy efficiency solutions to help meet today's environmental challenges and prepare for tomorrow's energy needs."
Carlos Tolosa, Eastern Division President of Harrah's Entertainment states, "With our continued commitment to being the industry leader in environmental responsibility, this exciting endeavor is a natural fit. Harrah's Entertainment is extremely proud to once again partner with Habitat for Humanity for the betterment of the Atlantic City region and the environment as a whole."
"Having a safe and healthy place to call home is the foundation that supports the rest of our lives. Without a decent place to live, we exist without a sense of security and permanence. At the end of the day we all want to go home," said BLSJ President Bob Brown. "The Builders League of South Jersey's Charitable Foundation is happy to be participating with Habitat for Humanity Atlantic County, Inc., in constructing its first green-built house. One more family has a place to call home."
Debbie Murray, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Atlantic County, Inc. states, "We are so very thankful for the team of individuals and organizations that are joining with us to build our first energy efficient, green house. This is a new venture for our Habitat affiliate and we would not be able to build this house without the services and funding they are providing to us. It is always encouraging and exciting when we have the opportunity to work with others who share our mission of providing decent, affordable housing to families in need. You can track the progress of the house by visiting our web site at www.achabitat.org . "
The future homeowner will benefit from significant energy savings, greater comfort, improved indoor air quality, a quieter home and increased durability. Atlantic County Habitat will select t he future homeowner from a list of eligible candidates that meet homeownership requirements.
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