LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Grant Awarded to Chateau Lafayette


Noting this is a genuine smile, Barry Cammer of Chateau Lafayette accepts a check from the Lafayette Redevelopment Agency Board. Photo C. Tyson

It took a few months, but the seniors at Chateau Lafayette - a non-profit senior housing facility - will soon have new energy efficient ranges and more - thanks to a County grant and a generous donation from the Lafayette Redevelopment Agency Board. Sixty inefficient aging ranges will be replaced, along with a new commercial energy efficient water heater and the roof of one of the buildings.

"This will really make life better for residents - we are extremely grateful. A win-win for everyone - we want to thank the City Council and the RDA," said Chateau representative Barry Cammer, accepting the giant check. Eighty-three low income seniors live at Chateau Lafayette on Moraga Boulevard.

The goal of the project was to improve the facility's overall energy efficiency. The old roof will be replaced with a Duro-Last Energy Star rated "Cool" roof that will use substantially less energy in summer and winter.

Part of the funds, a grant for $28,712, came from your tax dollars at work, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) which is administered by the Contra Costa County Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

"To improve the chances of receiving the grant, the Lafayette Redevelopment Agency Board agreed to contribute $22,420 in matching funds to replace the roof of one of the oldest building in the complex with an energy efficient "Cool" roof," said Sarah Allen, Planning Intern. A cool roof can deliver high solar reflectance that reduces the amount of heat that is transferred to the building. It reflects visible, infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths of the sun.