May 7 2010
The Council on Foundations has given the Critical Impact Award to Habitat for Humanity International’s partner company Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for its efforts to offer solar-powered systems meant for Habitat for Humanity International homes constructed in California.
Recently, PG&E has renewed its collaboration with Habitat for Humanity International. In 2010, Habitat for Humanity International received $1.2 million from PG&E for installing solar-powered systems on residential buildings built by 22 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International in central and northern California.
The funding of PG&E is likely to benefit over 80 Habitat for Humanity International partner families. The California Energy Commission believes that the solar-powered systems can produce around 300 kWh of renewable energy each month and can result in annual energy savings of approximately $500. PG&E, over the last three years, has provided over $3.5 million for solar panel installation purposes on 280 Habitat for Humanity International homes constructed in California.
In April 2010, the affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International had an opportunity to learn about the current sustainable building approaches from industry experts in a green building symposium hosted by PG&E. In 2010, a minimum of six affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International in California are likely to construct homes that will receive the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.