Over 175 South Hill residents have signed up to make their homes more energy efficient with SustainableWorks

Great update from Sustainable Works : This Earth Day South Hill residents have the opportunity to drastically lower their carbon footprint by participating in SustainableWorks, a Spokane based non-profit that is offering reduced cost energy audits and home retrofits. SustainableWorks is partnering with Washington State University Extension, Avista Utilities, the City of Spokane Office of Sustainability, the Spokane Alliance and others to bring this energy saving opportunity to the South Hill. The purpose of this stimulus-funded program is to help homeowners and renters (with landlord approval) make home improvements that reduce their energy use and energy bills. Participants can save on items like furnaces, water heaters, insulation and air sealing. SustainableWorks has already completed 200 audits and 100 retrofits in other neighborhoods in Spokane. Spokane residents that have already participated are saving up to 40% on their energy bills, and are benefitting from increased comfort in their homes this winter.

South Hill residents will be able to participate in the community project through June. Already over 175 South Hill residents have signed up to participate. The goal of the project is to sign-up 500 residents for an energy efficiency audit and potential retrofit. If this goal is accomplished it is estimated that the project will reduce carbon emissions by 300,000 lbs annually and create 15 full-time living wage jobs.

The process begins with a pre-audit to determine eligibility followed by a professional energy audit. Worth approximately $600, the cost of the audit to the home or business owner is only $95. An energy consultant then explains to the homeowner where they are losing energy and suggests the most cost effective energy saving improvements. Contractors managed by SustainableWorks then complete the energy saving measures chosen by the homeowner. Projects are designed to pay for themselves with energy savings. To sign-up please visit www.sustainableworks.com .

SustainableWorks is an official sponsor of Earth Day Spokane, April 23rd, Main St. between Division and Browne, 11am to 4pm.  Stop by the SustainableWorks booth to sign up for your energy audit!