FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date 03/17/08

CONTACT:
Matt Derrick
(816) 942-8800, ext. 213
(913) 244-5775 mobile

UMB Bank Green Pavilion Introduces Eco-Friendly Products

Everyone has heard the buzz about energy-saving and eco-friendly products that are good for the environment and provide a healthy lifestyle for everyone. At the UMB Green Pavilion – only at the HOME SHOW, March 27-30 at Bartle Hall – consumers will discover many of these products and talk to experts about how to incorporate “green” into their homes and lives.

One of the best ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency and comfort while saving money is through upgraded windows, doors and skylights. New technologies enable Energy Star-qualified products to cool homes in the summer and warm homes in the winter. Ensuring windows and doors are properly sealed and caulked can also provide a major impact.

Insulation is also a critical element in reducing a home’s energy usage. Upgrading attic, basement and wall insulation can save money and add comfort. For those building a new home or undertaking a major remodeling project, products on display at the UMB Green Pavilion that deserve attention include insulated concrete panels, structural insulated panels and other component building materials designed to improve performance.

To help homeowners finance green home improvement upgrades, UMB will provide information on its green initiatives and show how consumers can use home equity loans to upgrade energy efficiency. UMB will also present fun activities for kids that show how children can “go green.”

“Environmental sustainability is something that each person, family or company can significantly impact through simple measures in their day-to-day activities,” said Mariner Kemper, chairman and chief executive officer of UMB Financial Corporation. “At UMB, we are introducing ways to positively affect the environment through green product and service offerings, modified business processes, associate education and community outreach.”

For the answers to questions about energy efficiency, Kansas City Power & Light and Aquila will have experts on hand to illustrate how to reduce home energy costs. Simple tips such as unplugging appliances when not in use and choosing compact fluorescent light bulbs are easy steps to improving a home’s energy efficiency. If every American home replaced just one light bulb with a compact florescent bulb, enough energy would be saved to support more than 3 million homes for a year – more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse emissions equivalent to more than 800,000 cars.

Since automobiles have a major impact on the environment, the UMB Green Pavilion will also highlight the RTM Tango – a three-wheel, street-legal commuter car alternative that averages 70 miles per gallon.

From energy-saving tips and information on Kansas City’s 10,000 Rain Gardens water conservation program to green building options and material recycling, there is something for everyone looking to bring green into their lives at the UMB Green Pavilion. Living green is a lifestyle more and more local consumers are choosing.

The Greater Kansas City HOME SHOW and the Flower, Lawn & Garden Show is produced by the HBA and is the metro’s premier home products and services event with more than 650 exhibiting companies including thousands of home improvement and remodeling services over four big days. For more information about the show, call (816) 942-8800 or visit www.kchomeshow.com.

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