The Frederick Board of County Commissioners has launched the Green Homes Challenge, a major community initiative of the Office of Environmental Sustainability that will help residents reduce energy use and utility bills, adopt environmentally friendly practices and use renewable energy. 

The first of three challenges, Be a Power Saver, appeals to residents to “Save Our Energy, and Bank Your Money!”  The challenge educates households about the benefits of saving energy, promotes home energy audits and encourages action in the form of home energy improvement projects.  Households are supported on their journey from energy awareness to action with resources, interactive tools, financial incentives, social support and recognition.

Board President Blaine Young said, “We are pleased to announce that the Green Homes Challenge, made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, is available to all Frederick County residents.  Over the past five years, the county audited the performance of its buildings, made energy improvements and realized savings.  Coupled with fuel conservation efforts, Frederick County Government has saved more than one million dollars through its conservation initiatives.  We’re confident that residents will save through participation in the Green Homes Challenge, too.”

Commissioner Young also encouraged residents to take advantage of the free resources available through this initiative to help contribute to a more sustainable community.  For instance, one important action required by the Power Saver Challenge is the home energy audit.  Both home owners and renters can take advantage of Watt Watchers free check-up audits and reduced-price comprehensive audits, as they are paying for them through the EmPower Maryland surcharge on their Allegheny Power bills. 

Joining the county commissioners for the launch were partners Earth Aid Enterprises, the Frederick County Sustainability Commission, The City of Frederick, the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association, the Frederick County Builders Association, volunteer Green Ambassadors and local businesses.
Each of the challenges has a corresponding certification program.  Certified households will be recognized by the county and through media venues.  The other challenges to launch in 2011 include:

• Challenge 2:  Be a Green Leader! helps residents adopt environmentally friendly practices related to transportation and home operations.
• Challenge 3:  Be a Renewable Star! promotes renewable energy options such as purchasing green power and installing renewable energy systems. 

Key resources offered by the Power Saver Challenge include the Power Saver Handbook that provides a wide range of energy saving actions and resources, and guides challenge takers through the certification steps. Another resource is the interactive energy tracking tool, www.EarthAid.net/FrederickCounty, which tracks energy consumption, rewards residents for savings with incentives from local businesses and allows groups and friends to compare usage and work together to save.  Other incentives are available for certified households; these include gifts with a $50 value for the first 50 certified Power Savers and an annual drawing for high value prizes such as $2,000 in home energy improvement services donated by Lancaster Craftsman Builders.

Powerware Parties and Green Ambassadors will be the primary vehicles for rolling out the Power Saver Challenge to affiliated groups such as businesses, faith communities and neighborhood associations.  Powerware Parties are fun, interactive gatherings that help participants become more power-aware and learn how to start reducing their energy use and utility bills. Volunteer Green Ambassadors serve for one year and promote the challenge within their chosen community, disseminate resources and organize informational events, workshops or “Green Teams” that meet regularly to provide on-going support.  Both Powerware Party hosts and Green Ambassadors are rewarded with free Comprehensive Watt Watchers home energy audits.

Businesses or organizations interested in implementing the Green Homes Challenge or prospective volunteers interested in leadership roles may visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/GreenHomes or contact Challenge Coordinator Lisa Orr at 301-600-6864 or via e-mail at lorr@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

The Office of Environmental Sustainability advances practical solutions for protecting the environment, conserving energy and living sustainably in Frederick County.  To learn more, contact Director Hilari Varnadore at 301-600-7414 or via e-mail at hvarnadore@FrederickCountyMD.gov or visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/sustainability.