Federal Government Awards $1.2 Million Retrofit Funding

BUFFALO, N.Y., January 25, 2011: The federal government has encouraged energy retrofits to reduce carbon emissions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). HUD's new Strategic Plan has made energy efficiency and green building one of its top priorities with an ambitious goal of creating 159,000 energy-efficient and green public and assisted housing units over the next two years. One Western New York recipient of over $1.2 million for energy retrofits was People Inc.'s Senior Living Apartments which recently completed its first green retrofit at its Iris Senior Living Apartment location. People Inc. will celebrate the completion of over $400,000 of energy efficient additions at this location on January 27, 2011, at 2 p.m. at 4150 Sowles Road in Hamburg. The event will thank the tenants and contractors for their collaboration during this important energy saving project. To show support of the project, Assemblymember Kevin Smardz and Hamburg Town Supervisor Steven Walters are scheduled to attend the recognition event.

As part of this overall green initiative, refrigerators have been replaced and new water savers have been installed in kitchens and bathrooms at People Inc.'s Iris Senior Living Apartments. Energy saving shower heads and exhaust fans, as well as combination boiler and hot water exchanges update this apartment building in a very green way. These retrofits are expected to save the tenants nearly 10% annually on their utility costs, however even more important are the resulting greenhouse gas reductions. In addition to the energy saving utilities, the site has implemented the use of green paints and carpets to improve the air quality for all of the residents.

Recycling will become a way of life at the Senior Living locations managed by People Inc. Additionally, People Inc.'s Iris Senior Living Apartments will embark on an educational campaign with the Frontier High School Environmental Club to increase awareness for both generations.

"Having a smaller carbon footprint is very important to our organization," said People Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick. She added, "We are very committed to being green."

People Inc. manages 17 senior apartments throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for low-income independent seniors age 62 and older. To learn more, visit www.people-inc.org or call 716.817.9090.