CHICAGO – Recognizing a West side church and community organization for their innovative efforts to support the low-income community, Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced that Bethel New Life and Keystone Baptist Church together will receive $150,000 in Opportunity Returns support for their “zero energy homes” initiative. The Opportunity Returns funding will help pay for the first fifteen homes in Illinois through a special partnership with Environmental Resources Trust. The homes will be specifically for low-income residents and feature solar panels and other important cost saving amenities that will reduce household expenses.
“With gas prices around $55 per barrel, and with this winter’s home heating bills still a recent memory, now is the perfect time to demonstrate visionary technology to build homes that produce as much energy as they consume,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “I commend Bethel New Life and Keystone Baptist Church for their efforts to make low-cost, low-energy homes available to low-income residents in Illinois, and I am pleased that we can further these efforts with a $150,000 Opportunity Returns grant.”
The “zero energy home” project was developed collaboratively with Bethel New Life, Keystone Baptist Church, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the City of Chicago, Environmental Resources Trust, ComEd, Uni-Solar, Whirlpool and Osram Sylvania. DCEO provided funding for the solar panels for the project through the Renewable Energy Resources Program, with additional support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Each home will include a 2.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system, with DCEO support of $10,000 per home.
The zero energy homes employ a combination of super-insulation levels, high efficiency lighting and appliances, high-efficiency HVAC systems and renewable energy solar panels, so that the homes produce almost as much energy as they consume on an annual basis. Seven of the 15 homes are to be built on previously vacant lots in the 3800 and 4000 blocks of West Maypole Avenue in Chicago.
“Not only will local low-income residents have access to new homes, but we’re providing these residents with homes that are efficient, affordable and sustainable. Gov. Blagojevich’s investments in this zero energy home initiative keeps money in the pockets of local residents who are struggling to make ends meet,” said State Senator Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago).
“Zero energy homes are a step in the right direction because they will provide long term societal benefits for communities across this state. Through Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns program, we’re providing a fresh start for our low-income neighbors and the foundation for a better future,” said State Representative Annazette Collins (D-Chicago).
“By supporting the development of zero energy homes and affordable housing, Gov. Blagojevich is working to ensure economic opportunity for all. By supporting new, renewable energy technologies in this project, we support job creation in new, renewable energy industries, reduce energy costs for the homeowners, and help keep our energy dollars in our local economy,” said DCEO Director Jack Lavin.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.