MEDIA CONTACT: Alan Heymann (202) 741-2136
Washington, DC - The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) today announced a partnership with CarbonfreeDC in an effort to green 20 deserving homes in DC for the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover. The purpose of the makeover is to prove that anyone can afford a modest investment in energy efficiency and reap huge rewards in energy- and money-savings for decades to come.
"Every day, DDOE works with District residents to make environmentally-friendly changes to their homes and lifestyles," said DDOE Director George S. Hawkins. "Teaming up with CarbonfreeDC will allow us to make a greater impact in the lives of 20 families and for these two neighborhoods."
CarbonfreeDC, a grassroots initiative dedicated to mobilizing DC-area residents to dramatically reduce local carbon emissions, recently won a $20,000 grant from National Geographic and Sun Chips in the Green Effect competition (www.greeneffect.com). With this grant, CarbonfreeDC will install energy- and money-saving solutions in 20 homes in the DC neighborhoods of Shaw and Deanwood. Upgrades will include efficient light bulbs, low-flow shower heads, water heater insulation blankets and caulking. In addition, CarbonfreeDC will host workshops in these neighborhoods so all area residents can implement their own money-saving green makeovers.
DDOE already offers a wide range of services geared toward helping low-income residents green their homes. In addition to assistance in procuring energy-efficient appliances and improving home weatherization, DDOE offers free energy audits, rebates for renewable energy systems and more.
"CarbonfreeDC is grateful for this partnership with the District Department of the Environment," said CarbonfreeDC Executive Director Rhys Gerholdt. "This project mirrors DDOE's dedication to helping Washington families reduce their energy costs while making their homes healthier and more eco-friendly."
For more information on CarbonfreeDC and the Extreme Green Neighborhood Makeover, visit http://www.carbonfreedc.org.