RUPCO Among First NeighborWorks® America’s “Green” Program Designees

Dec. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- Rural Ulster Preservation Company (RUPCO), www.rupco.org,  a NeighborWorks® America member organization, is one of just 16 organizations nationwide, to receive the NeighborWorks® Green Organization  designation for a comprehensive commitment to sustainable operations. NeighborWorks® America CEO Eileen Fitzgerald presented RUPCO with the award on December 11 in Washington, DC. Meredith Nierenberg of RUPCO’s Green Jobs/Green New York program represented RUPCO and accepted the honor.  This is the first time NeighborWorks® has recognized organizations for their efforts to create healthier, energy efficient environments for homeowners, renters, community residents, and employees.  

Affordable Housing Can Be Green Housing

RUPCO, which has delivered housing programs in the region for more than 30 years, has long been committed to green practices and worked hard to earn the prestigious award.   A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, RUPCO has completed three major building projects with significant green and sustainability components and is currently contracted to deliver the Green Jobs/Green New York program throughout the Hudson Valley.  

“We are really proud to have earned this designation,” said CEO Kevin O’Connor.  “It reflects not only our commitment to green building but also recognizes our efforts to operate in a green and sustainable manner.”  O’Connor indicated that RUPCO has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 10% before 2017 and said all staff members have become engaged in “bringing green home.”

NeighborWorks® America, which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities, supports a network of more than 235 nonprofits, located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

“NeighborWorks® America is honored to recognize RUPCO as a leader in creating healthier and more sustainable homes and communities,” said NeighborWorks® America CEO Eileen Fitzgerald.

Promoting Sustainable Communities Through Green Activities

The NeighborWorks® Green Organization designation is significant because it challenges organizations to be comprehensive in their green efforts. By embracing a sustainable business culture, they produce benefits to thousands of individuals through homeowner education, housing development activities, and community engagement programs. Collectively, these activities help reduce energy consumption and costs, create healthier living and working environments, and promote sustainable communities.  

NeighborWorks® America’s goal is for two-thirds of NeighborWorks® America member organizations to receive a green designation by 2016. As a result, more than 100,000 residents in NeighborWorks® rental properties would have better information on managing healthy, energy-conscious homes; more than 25,000 low- and moderate-income families annually would possess the knowledge and skills to assess the homes they are buying for green, healthy features; and 6,000 owner-occupants each year would receive healthy, energy-efficiency home repairs.

For more information on the green designation, and to see the complete list of designees, go to http://www.nw.org/network/newsroom/NetNews12112012.asp (http://www.nw.org/network/neighborworksprogs/multifamily/...). For more information about NeighborWorks® America, go to www.nw.org.  

RUPCO - A Positive Impact on Affordable Housing Crisis

Last year, RUPCO stimulated more than $20 million in programs and funding to Ulster County and the Hudson Valley region including more than $16 million in funding to local landlords, more than $4.6 million in first mortgage loans with local banks, more than $500,000 to first time homebuyers and nearly $500,000 to local contractors and building supply vendors.  Going into 2013, RUPCO looks forward to continuing efforts to create homes, support people and improve communities.  More information on the agency and its programs is available at www.rupco.org.  

About NeighborWorks®® America

For nearly 35 years, NeighborWorks® America has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks® organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks® America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.