Nissan and Habitat for Humanity Build Houses With Energy-Saving Features

Habitat for Humanity International and Nissan North America Inc. (NNA) announced today the renewal of an annual $1 million partnership. Through the partnership, Nissan will fund the construction of affordable houses that conserve energy and water, support ongoing Habitat for Humanity homebuilding projects and assist with Habitat's disaster response efforts.

Since 2006, Nissan has donated more than $3 million to Habitat for Humanity in house sponsorships and truck donations, as well as 40,000 volunteer hours.

As part of the 2008 partnership, Nissan will sponsor seven houses that will be outfitted with green features that help conserve energy and water, making them more affordable for those living in them while having less impact on the environment.

Low-flow toilets, faucets and showerheads, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting and recycled carpeting will all be included in the new Habitat homes. These homes also will be landscaped with drought-resistant plants and shrubs that reduce the need for watering and will be equipped with rain collection barrels.

The Nissan-sponsored homes will be built in areas affected by natural disasters or where Nissan has significant operations, including Tennessee, Texas, Mississippi and Michigan. Additionally, Nissan employees will volunteer their time to help construct houses with Habitat in California, Georgia, Illinois and Arizona.

"We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity in its efforts to build affordable and sustainable housing options, while rebuilding lives affected by natural disasters," said Dominique Thormann, senior vice-president finance and administration, Nissan Americas. "This partnership reinforces our global vision to improve the quality of life in the communities in which Nissan operates."

Following the devastation of the 2005 hurricane season, Nissan donated 50 Titan trucks to support rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast region. Nissan will continue to support Habitat disaster rebuilding initiatives this year by providing six additional trucks with five going to Habitat affiliates affected by natural disasters. Nissan also is providing funding to support Habitat's disaster response assessment efforts following natural disasters, including team training and team deployment as well as disaster suitcases which contain communication equipment.

Through its ongoing partnership with Habitat, Nissan was one of the sponsors of the 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, May 11-16, 2008. This sponsorship contributed to the recovery efforts and endeavors to raise awareness for the need that still exists in the region. Habitat's Carter Work Project is a week-long blitz-build led by former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.

"Nissan has generously assisted Habitat for Humanity in our disaster recovery efforts, and our shared commitment to decent housing has turned into a partnership that will have a lasting impact," said Habitat CEO Jonathan Reckford. "We deeply value the support that the entire Nissan family has provided our efforts."

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 250,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people.

SOURCE Nissan North America Inc.