ICAST (International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology) received the 2016 New Mexico Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in Resource Stewardship for its work in providing green rehabilitation to multifamily (MF) properties across New Mexico. The award, established by Governor Susana Martinez, aims to support, recognize, and celebrate the hard work of New Mexicans dedicated to restoring and protecting the natural heritage and environmental health of the state. The ceremony took place at the Rio Grande Nature Center in Albuquerque on Earth Day, 2016.
ICAST won the award for having successfully completed over 16 MF smart rehabilitation projects across New Mexico in Tucumcari, Grants, Truth or Consequences, Santa Fe, Socorro, Dexter, Carlsbad, Espanola, and Artesia. These projects installed energy efficiency and water conservation upgrades that measurably reduce energy and water use and create an environmental impact of reducing ~1 Million lbs. of carbon dioxide (CO2) from being emitted each year while also conserving 407,500 gallons of water annually. Besides the environmental impact, the ICAST projects directly impacted the lives of more than 430 low-income seniors, disabled, veterans and families by lowering their utility bills by ~ $1 Million over the 15 year life of the upgrades, money that can now be spent on food, clothing, medicine and other basic necessities. In addition, the green upgrades increase the health and safety of residents through indoor air quality improvements. ICAST also helped create/retain 22 jobs locally.
