SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 2006--Known for setting industry standards in energy- and water-efficiency, Bosch home appliances have achieved a new environmental distinction by being selected to equip the kitchen and laundry of the LivingHomes(R) model home, a breakthrough concept in prefabricated, sustainable housing. Located in Santa Monica, Calif., the recently constructed home has received the highest rating possible from the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) new pilot, LEED(R) for Homes rating system, making it the first residential project in the country to attain a Platinum rating and setting a new national standard in sustainable construction. A key factor in the home's high level of sustainability are the Bosch appliances including a high-efficiency and ultra quiet dishwasher, front loading washer and dryer, and an ENERGY STAR(R) qualified refrigerator. "As a company, LivingHomes is committed to building some of the healthiest, most ecologically considered production homes available," said Steve Glenn, LivingHomes CEO and founder. "That is why we made it a priority to select products, like Bosch appliances, that deliver beautifully on the ideals of environmental efficient performance, quality engineering and modern design and help qualify the home as an Energy Star(R) home." LivingHomes promises to redefine the concept of "green" housing by marrying the highest levels of sustainability and good design from world-class architects at a cost considerably less than similarly constructed site-built homes. These steel-framed homes are prefabricated in a factory to ensure "green" friendly construction and reduction of waste. To dramatically reduce energy usage, they are equipped with solar power, radiant heating, natural ventilation, LED lighting, high-performance glass and high levels of insulation. The Bosch appliances, low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, gray-water irrigation system, rooftop garden and the use of recycled materials further aid in reducing the home's ecological footprint. The Bosch appliances featured in the LivingHome include: Evolution(TM) 800 Series Dishwasher (SHE99C05UC): Leading the way in energy efficiency, every Bosch dishwasher has earned the ENERGY STAR(R) label, exceeding federal energy standards by up to 48%. All Bosch dishwashers feature SENSOTRONIC(TM) technology, which checks soil levels and adjusts water and temperature levels accordingly -- saving water and energy. This system ensures that Bosch dishwashers use as little as 3.1 gallons of water per cycle. Bosch's energy-saving Condensation Drying(TM) system uses the final rinse's latent heat that is stored in the stainless steel walls to hygienically dry dishes. At only 44 decibels, this is the quietest dishwasher currently manufactured in the United States. Evolution Refrigerator (B19CS80SNS): Bosch's new ENERGY STAR refrigeration uses sensors to constantly measure temperature to provide consistent cooling and control the frequency of the defrost cycle. The defrost cycle will only run when needed, unlike some refrigerators that run on a timed schedule even if the cycle is not needed. By placing the temperature control on the outside of the refrigerator, the temperature can be adjusted without opening the door, which prevents the loss of the cool air inside. 700 Series 30" Single Convection Oven (HBL745AUC): The 700 Series offers efficient, sophisticated technology in a streamlined package. The foundation of its performance is Bosch's exclusive Genuine European Convection(TM), which combines an electronic thermostat with a 2,500-watt dual-ring third element surrounding a two-speed convection fan to produce accurate, even heat throughout the cavity and reduces cooking times up to 30%. This ingenious system allows you to simultaneously cook a full meal of sweet and savory foods without flavor transfer, offering even more time and energy savings. NGT Series 30" 4 Burner Cooktop (NGT74xUC): Bosch gas cooktops are manufactured of 98% recyclable materials with sophisticated European styling and advanced cooking features. Nexxt(TM) Premium Washer (WFMC6400UC): Bosch Nexxt(TM) Washers use less energy than any other washer on the market -- even other front loaders. Compared to the average top-loader, it cuts energy usage by up to 76 percent a year, saving about 70 gallons of water a week for a family of four. The Nexxt Washer has earned the highest achievable ENERGY STAR rating available, already meeting 2007 Federal Regulatory Standards, and can clean a full load of clothes using as little as 10.6 gallons of water. Nexxt(TM) Premium Dryer (WTMC6300US): To gently dry clothes, the Nexxt Dryer employs the DUOTRONIC(TM) system, a combination of moisture and temperature sensors that automatically determine when the clothes are dry to prevent damage from over-drying. For extended wrinkle protection, the Nexxt Premium Dryer offers WRINKLEBLOCK(TM) to prevent wrinkles from setting in and reduce ironing. Like the renowned Bosch dishwashers, both washer and dryer are engineered to be exceptionally quiet in operation. About Bosch home appliances Bosch home appliances is part of BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a fully-owned subsidiary of Bosch and Siemens Hausgerate GmbH, the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world. Inspired by the lifestyles of today's discerning consumers, all Bosch products combine superior performance and excellent quality with unrivalled ease of use. Extending its care philosophy beyond the immediate home, Bosch is the leader in environmentally-friendly home appliances. Just one more sign of Bosch's commitment to improving quality of life through the relentless pursuit of perfection. www.Boschappliances.com
