Global Green Invites New Orleanians to See the Future of Smart Building at an Open House Event

Two New Houses Finished and Up for Sale

WHAT:

On Saturday October 10th from 1:00-3:00 pm, an Open House Event on Andry Street will unveil Global Green's newest additions to their green village in Holy Cross. Hoping to bring back former residents of Holy Cross, the two houses are affordably listed at $175,000 and feature green technology to virtually eliminate utility bills and environmental impact. The real estate agency Urban Visions Properties will be handling the sale of the houses.

"The best part about these homes is the owners may end up not owing Entergy a penny," says Beth Galante, director of Global Green New Orleans. Galante says that at the end of the year she actually had a credit from Entergy on the first completed home which has been used as a visitor center where over 7,500 visitors have come to see what they can do to retrofit their homes."

Low-income homeowners may live in some of the least efficient houses with the most expensive bills plus a mortgage. When costs such as electricity can be eliminated it becomes clear why these houses are so affordable," said Galante. Aside from the absence of utility bills, features such as solar paneling and dual flush toilets gain residents tax credits both at the state and federal level, adding to the overall affordability and practicality of going green, buying green and weatherizing homes. The homes, in fact, are designed to meet LEED Platinum Standards, the highest certification given by the U.S. Green Build Council.Real estate agents Jennifer Pearl and Lisa Fury from Urban Vision Properties previously gave a presentation to the residents of Holy Cross at their neighborhood association meeting to engage those displaced from the neighborhood by Hurricane Katrina. The general public is now encouraged to join Holy Cross residents for information on increasing the efficiency of their homes at Saturday's event.

WHEN:

Saturday, October 10, 20091:00 - 3:00 pm

WHERE:

Holy Cross Development409 Andry St. (adjacent to the levee, 7 blocks downriver from the Industrial Canal)New Orleans, LA

WHO:

Global Green USA www.globalgreenusa.org

Urban Vision PropertiesAgents: Jennifer Pearl 504-258-5724 Lisa Fury 504-957-2422

WHY:

Global Green USA is committed to helping New Orleanians rebuild a sustainable city by providing green building information for homeowners, residents, builders and architects in New Orleans, mirroring Global Green's national and regional initiatives of "fostering a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future." Visit Global Green USA's Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.

Global Green USA is a national environmental organization that merges innovative research, cutting-edge community-based projects and targeted advocacy to create a sustainable future. Global Green USA has helped green nearly $20 billion in affordable housing, school, college and municipal building construction through technical assistance, partnerships, advocacy, and education. The organization has written, and implemented green building, energy efficiency, and solar power guidelines in addition to legislation and incentives at the local, state, and federal level. It has also pioneered partnerships with countless non-profits and government agencies.

Please visit www.globalgreen.org for more information.

For Further Background on Global Green's green initiatives in New Orleans you may also visit the Global Green New Orleans Green Building Resource Center at 841 Carondolet Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.