GOVERNOR PRESENTS “ARIZONA INNOVATION AWARD”
Tucson Homebuilder an Innovator in Low-Energy Housing

TUCSON – Governor Janet Napolitano presented an Arizona Innovation Award today to the John Wesley Miller Companies and their “Zero Energy Homes” in Tucson. The homes earned the “Zero Energy” name because they produce as much energy as they consume. The Governor gave the award to owner John Wesley Miler during a dedication ceremony at the Armory Park Del Sol housing development in central Tucson.

The John Wesley Miller companies have been building in the Tucson area for more than fifty years. The Zero Energy homes are built with energy efficient materials, come equipped with solar energy systems and with Energy Star rated appliances and lighting.

“This is a perfect example of the type of innovative work going on in Arizona,” said Governor Napolitano. “For years now, John Wesley Miller and his company have been ahead of the curve in efforts to build ‘green.’”

The Tucson development – located in the city’s center at 3rd Avenue and 16th Street – was built with the assistance of the National Association of Home Builders Research Center and Tucson Electric Power. All homes are built to the high energy-efficiency requirements of TEP's Guarantee Home Program.

Governor Napolitano’s Arizona Innovation Awards are presented to individuals, schools, businesses and government entities statewide that promote science and/or math, innovation and technology and/or create a spirit of entrepreneurship that enables the state to compete in the 21st Century Economy. The public is welcome and encouraged to submit nominees online at www.azcommerce.com.