Chicago Man Named Semifinalist in National Hero Award Program for Helping Build Home of the Future

National vote underway for the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards; $100,000 charitable contributions awarded to finalists; winner receives Volvo car for life

40 Semi-Finalists Selected; Vote at http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 26 -- Housing accounts for almost 40 percent of the country's carbon dioxide emissions and continues to be an environmental challenge to builders the world over. To help address the problem, George Bialecki, Jr. created the Alternative Energy Living Foundation to further sustainable and energy efficient home construction and is currently representing the United States in the Future House project, the first international sustainable energy community located in Beijing, China. Now, Bialecki has been identified as one of the nation's top 40 heroes and is in the running to be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards -- an annual, nationwide search for real-life heroes across America.

Beginning today, the American public can visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and vote for Bialecki. This democratic vote will decide the program finalists in Volvo's hero search. Three winning heroes will receive $100,000 for their charities. One extraordinary winner will receive a new Volvo car every three years for life.

Commissioned by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Construction, the Future House project challenged ten countries each to build a home using their latest technologies with environmentally friendly materials and processes. Bialecki accepted the challenge, despite the fact that the United States is the only participating country that did not provide financial support for the project. Bialecki undertook Future House USA as a grassroots effort, rallying people of various disciplines from around the country to produce a prototype that addresses energy efficiency, storm water management, indoor air quality, water conservation and recycling management.

Bialecki's entire family pitched in with free labor to help construct Future House USA, which is currently 80 percent complete. The project is expected to attract five million visitors and opens to the public during the 2008 Olympic Games.

"If we take the time to educate not only our present society but our youth through global initiatives and strong grass roots efforts," said Bialecki, "we will begin to build a foundation toward a strong, more secure and healthier world."

Since 2002, Volvo Cars of North America has identified more than 18,000 everyday heroes in its annual Volvo for life Awards, and has contributed millions of dollars to their causes.

"Once again, Volvo is inviting America itself to serve as one of the Volvo for life Awards judges," said Anne Belec, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America. "Last year we had an overwhelming response with more than 700,000 votes tallied. This year's heroes are top notch. It will be tough to narrow the field down and pick winners, but Volvo is confident that America is up to the challenge. "

In the end, every vote counts. Ten heroes have been selected in the categories of Safety, Quality of Life, Environment and the Butterfly Award, Volvo's youth category. The voting period will determine three finalists in each category. Visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/ and learn more about what the top 40 hometown heroes are doing to make the world a better place now and in the future. Most importantly, support Bialecki with your vote and help bring more funding to your community.

Volvo Cars of North America leads the national initiative, honoring and rewarding local heroes with financial contributions each year. This year, Volvo doubled the charitable donation amount given to the top three winners. One top hero in each of the categories of Safety, Quality of Life and Environment will receive $100,000 for their charities; two runners-up in each category will receive $25,000. One extraordinary winner will go on to receive the title "America's Greatest Hometown Hero," and with it, a new Volvo car every three years for life.

A fourth Volvo for life Awards category is up for grabs this year -- but only America's kids can reach it. Volvo is elevating its annual Butterfly Award to its own youth hero category -- with a $25,000 prize for the winner and $10,000 to two runners up.

When the voting period ends January 7, 2008, a panel of distinguished judges will select one winner in each of the four categories. A grand award winner, selected from the Safety, Quality of Life and Environment categories, will be named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" and presented with a new Volvo car every three years for the rest of his or her life at the annual Volvo for life Awards Ceremony in New York City, March 19, 2008.

To learn more, or to vote for your favorite hero, visit http://www.volvoforlifeawards.com/. A Spanish version of the site can also be accessed at this address.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For photos and more information on the Volvo for life Awards visit http://www.volvocars-pr.com.