Select Milwaukee recognized as NeighborWorks Green Organization

Select Milwaukee has been recognized as a NeighborWorks Green Organization for its comprehensive commitment to sustainable operations. To achieve this designation, Select Milwaukee was required to demonstrate adherence to a set of green business practices across its operations and all of its program areas.

This is the second consecutive year that NeighborWorks America has recognized member organizations for their efforts to create healthier, energy-efficient environments for homeowners, renters, community residents and employees. To date, 42 NeighborWorks organizations have achieved this designation.

Select Milwaukee’s mission is to help people achieve and maintain homeownership to enrich their lives and strengthen neighborhoods and communities. Committed to green practices since 2011, Select Milwaukee generated $1.62 million in home renovations of which 50 were owner-occupied home buyer energy efficient retrofit improvement projects utilizing $625,914 of Select Milwaukee’s Renew Green loan funds (CFRAH), leveraging an additional 20% in local energy rebates and incentives, and securing an average 37% overall energy savings for its new homeowners.

“We’re proud to represent an organization that embraces and acts on implementing a green culture and demonstrating our commitment to green efforts – providing continued resources to incorporate new and innovative green practices and build on our accomplishments,” said Raymond Schmidt, Executive Director.

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 240 nonprofits, located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

“Select Milwaukee is a leader in sustainable business practices, helping individuals and families become healthier with an improved quality of life,” added NeighborWorks America CEO Eileen M. Fitzgerald.

The NeighborWorks Green Organization designation is significant because it challenges organizations to be comprehensive in their efforts to be green. Collectively, these activities help reduce energy and water consumption and costs, create healthier living and working environments, and promote sustainable communities.

Select Milwaukee recently moved into a LEED certified building and incorporated the use of green and locally sourced materials. The organization helps customers like Justin Kunesh and Mary Beth Kressin achieve the dream of sustainable and affordable home ownership. They worked closely with one of Select Milwaukee’s Homeownership Specialists to buy a foreclosed property. The organization’s Rehab Specialist guided Kunesh-Kressin through the two-month renovation project totaling $65,000 – an investment in high efficiency mechanicals, new insulation, and improved air sealing and ventilation, increasing the energy efficiency of their home by a projected average annual energy savings of 30%. Select Milwaukee secured capital from NeighborWorks® Capital Funding for the Rehabilitation of Affordable Housing (CFRAH) to fund Renew GREEN energy efficiency improvements program that provided a $15,000 loan. The couple added, “Select Milwaukee helped our dream become reality.”