NAIMA Sponsors "Energy Hog" Conservation Campaign Highlighting Insulation as Key Solution

Three-Year Campaign Set To Educate Kids on How to Use Less Energy and Improve Environment

Alexandria, VA (March 9, 2004) - The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) announced today its sponsorship of a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and their parents to take charge of energy usage in their homes. Launched today in Washington, DC by the Ad Council, Energy Outreach Colorado, the U.S. Department of Energy and other national and local partners, the three-year campaign features sound energy-saving habits, including tips and ideas on how insulation can reduce energy costs.

According to U.S. National Energy Policy estimates, over the next 20 years U.S. natural gas consumption will rise by more than 50%, and our country's demand for electricity will increase by 45%. By practicing simple measures of conservation and using energy more efficiently, families can build strong energy habits, save money by reducing energy bills and help their communities reduce pollution caused by demand for energy.

"With more than 46 million under-insulated American homes and energy costs on the rise, it's critical that we urge kids and their families to take energy-saving measures such as increasing insulation in their homes," said Ken Mentzer, NAIMA's president and CEO. "We are proud to be a part of this innovative campaign as it is a natural extension of our commitment to promoting energy efficiency and sustainable development as keys to our long-term energy security."

The campaign includes television, radio and Internet PSAs and primarily targets children between the ages of eight and 13. In the PSAs, children are portrayed as heroes when they get rid of the Energy Hog. Viewers are directed to www.energyhog.org where they can train to become "Energy Hog Busters."

The website features energy-saving games and activities such as replacing old light bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs, how to check attics for insulation levels, and how to remove "energy hogs" by adding insulation.

NAIMA will also host relevant "how to insulate" content for children and their families on www.SimplyInsulate.com. On the site, consumers can learn how to check their insulation levels, get tips on installing insulation and find out if they are eligible for rebates and tax incentives for installing additional insulation.

Other Energy Hog campaign sponsors include The Home Depot, the National Fuel Funds Network, the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation and 19 other state energy offices.