Saint-Gobain Announces Continued Support of Philadelphia's Energy Coordinating Agency; Presents Grant to Fund Green Jobs Training

VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building materials company, announces today its continued financial support of the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), Philadelphia's largest provider of key energy conservation services including weatherization, energy workshops, heater repair and replacement for low income residents, and green jobs training. At 10 a.m. this morning, company representatives will present a $10,000 grant on behalf of the Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation at a Philadelphia City Council meeting recognizing ECA's Knight Green Jobs Training Center as a Center of Excellence. 

The grant will be used towards the continuing education and professional development of ECA staff members, as well towards the development of a "scholarship fund" to foster a partnership with youth enrolled in YouthBuild, a green building education and job-training program which Saint-Gobain currently supports through a national partnership. 

"Saint-Gobain congratulates the Energy Coordinating Agency's Knight Green Jobs Training Center on being recognized as a Center of Excellence and is pleased to reaffirm our support of the organization's mission of providing green education and job-training to promote sustainability with the future workforce," said John Crowe, President and CEO of both Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed Corporations. "Philadelphia is on its way to becoming one of the greenest cities in America because of ECA's commitment to creating solutions to the energy problems faced by low-income families, and as citizens of this community, we're committed to helping achieve that goal."

Since its opening in 2010, ECA's Knight Green Jobs Training Center has trained over 2,000 men and women, including over 350 individuals trained to the national Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards and partnered with the Community College of Philadelphia to develop an Associate's Degree in Building Science. In addition to its training accomplishments and partnerships, ECA has also developed the nation's first Apprenticeship Program for Weatherization Installer and Building Energy Auditor to be approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.  

Through the Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation, the company aims to put the power of its people and products to work to help improve the quality of life in the communities in which Saint-Gobain operates. Saint-Gobain has supported the ECA since 2000 with grants totaling $26,000. "The ECA's commitment to community development, energy conservation and environmental stewardship aligns closely with Saint-Gobain's mission to foster a sustainable future, making this a relationship that we look forward to strengthening for years to come," added Crowe.

About Saint-Gobain in North America 
Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building materials company, has its North American headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.  As the world leader in sustainable habitat, Saint-Gobain is committed to inventing solutions to help professionals and communities around the world build and renovate comfortable, healthy, economical and energy-efficient buildings. The company has more than 265 locations in North America and approximately 19,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $7.7 billion in 2011.

Saint-Gobain's family of companies in North America includes CertainTeed Corporation, which offers the most comprehensive portfolio of interior and exterior building products in North America, as well as Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Saint-Gobain ADFORS, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North America, Saint-Gobain Glass, Saint-Gobain Solar, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and more.

Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Saint-Gobain earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. For information about Saint-Gobain in North America, visit www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com 

SOURCE Saint-Gobain

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED